Mazhar Khan
Mazhar Khan in and as Professor Waman Msc. (1938)
Born18 October 1905
Bareilly, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India
Died24 September 1950(1950-09-24) (aged 44)
Bombay, Bombay State, India
Occupation(s)Actor, producer, director
Years active1926–1950

Mazhar Khan (18 October 1905 – 24 September 1950) was an actor, producer, and director in Indian Cinema.[1][2] He began his career as a police officer, which he left to study law for a short period. After abandoning his studies, he came to Bombay and started his career in cinema with the silent film Fatal Garland (1928) opposite the top actress of the time, Ermeline. He became a popular actor, gaining success in several silent films. During his stint in silent films he worked with directors such as Bhagwati Prasad Mishra, Ezra Mir, Moti P. Bhagnani, R. S. Chowdhary, and M. D. Bhavnani.[3] Magazines in the 1940s compared Khan to Hollywood actors such as Paul Muni, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.[4]

Khan transitioned to talkies with the end of the Silent Era. Nurjehan (1931), directed by Ezra Mir, was his first talkie picture. It received a positive response from the audiences establishing Khan as a profitable and dependable actor. He went on to work with the East India Film Company in Calcutta and Sagar Movietone, making films like Sultana, Night Bird, Salima and Sonhera Sansar. He then moved back to Bombay and worked under Ranjit Movietone. Having established himself in the different roles, he became renowned for his character depictions while also being respected in the film industry.[5]

He formed his own production company, Asiatic Pictures, under which he made Yaad (1942), starring Veena, and Pehli Nazar (1945), starring Munawwar Sultana. The latter film was considered his directorial triumph in his obituary. His last role was in Usha Kiron (1952).[3]

Early life

Mazhar Khan was born on 18 October 1905,[6] at Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. He matriculated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh and then joined the police force in Dhar State. He rose to the rank of a sub-inspector before quitting. Following his father's wishes, he studied law but soon left that to move to Bombay and pursue a career in film. His tenure with the police trained him in horse riding and other "athletic abilities", which were proved helpful to him in his cinematic career.[3]

According to Baburao Patel of Filmindia, B. P. Mishra recognized the "potential box-office attraction" of Khan.[5] Within a week, Khan was given a role in 1928's Haiyan No Haar (English: Fatal Garland).

Career

Silent films

Khan's debut film, Haiyan No Haar,[7] was directed by Bhagwati Prasad Mishra and starring Ermeline,[8] who was called the "queen of silent films". His role as Prince Ghiasudin was widely applauded and opened him up to new roles.[3] His other films from 1926-1931 during the silent era include Durgesh Nandini (1926), Hoor-E-Baghdad (1928), Vasl Ni Raat, Be Dhaari Talwar (1929), Ram Rahim (1930), Hamara Hindustan (1930), Sinbad the Sailor (1930), Raj Tilak (1931) and Golibar (1931). Durgesh Nandini was directed by B. P. Mishra for Sudarshan Films and starred Ermeline and Madanrai Vakil. In his initial phase, he acted the villain in stunt films produced in that era. With the trend shifting to "mythological, historical and semi-social", he performed roles that required "a touch of extra realism".[9]

Under the Imperial Film Company, Khan acted in 1927 Gamdeni Gori (English: Village Girl). It was directed by Mohan Dayaram Bhavnani (M. D. Bhavnani) and co-starred Sulochana, Madanrai Vakil and Raja Sandow. The film is stated to be a "part of Imperial's calculated and successful effort to manufacture a star image for the actress (Sulochana)".[10] The next year, Khan acted in B. P. Mishra's Hoor-E-Baghdad. 1929 had five films starring Khan, variously directed by Mishra, Bhavnani and Altekar, with the production company remaining Imperial.

In 1930, he acted in six films five of which were for Imperial and one for Sagar Film Company. Cinema Girl, which was termed a "Modern Girl" social genre,[11] was directed by Bhagwati Mishra for Imperial Film Company and co-starred Prithviraj Kapoor and Ermeline. It "presented a fictionalised biography of its maker".[8] The film also marked the debut of actor Prithviraj Kapoor in a prominent role;[12] his first film being Do Dhaari Talwar directed by Mishra.[2]

Talkies

1930s

Nurjehan (1931) was Khan's debut talkie film. It was made by the Imperial Film Company and directed by Ezra Mir. The film starred Vimala, Mubarak, Nayampally and Jilloobai alongside Khan. The music director was Joseph David. The film "established" Khan in talkies. In 1932 he acted with actor-singer K. L. Saigal and Kumar in Subah Ka Sitara produced by New Theatres Ltd., Calcutta, and directed by Premankur Atorthy. Saigal was a new entry in the film industry and had made two film prior to this.[13]

In 1933, Khan acted in films produced by East India Film Company: Nala Damayanti was directed by B. H. Rajhans, starring Khan along with Mukhtar Begum, Krishna Chandra Dey, and Indubala.[14] Ek Din Ka Badshah (English: King For A Day) was again directed by Rajhans and had Sabita Devi, Indubala, and Bachan as co-stars. Aurat Ka Pyar (English: A Woman's Love) was directed by A. R. Kardar and starred Gul Hamid, Mukhtar Begum, Anwaribai and Bachan. Mushtaq Ahmed composed the music and lyrics were by Agha Hashar Kashmiri, who also scripted the film.[15]

In 1934-1935, Khan acted in several films with Chandragupta (1934) a historical directed by A. R. Kardar, becoming a commercial success at the box-office, and Kardar being termed as a "talented film-maker".[16] The film co-starred Nazir in the title role of Chandragupta, along with Sabita Devi and Gul Hamid.[17] The other significant films of 1933 were Sultana, Mumtaz Begum and Night Bird, all produced by East India Film Company. His four films in 1935 were Sulagto Sansar (English: Murderer) directed by G. R. Sethi, Sauteli Ma (English: Stepmother) by S. D. Kerawala, Selima by Modhu Bose, and Bidrohi (English: Freedom Fighter) by Dhirendranath Ganguly.

1936 had Khan enacting a significant role along with Gul Hamid in Baghi Sipahi, an adaptation of Cardinal Richelieu (1935).[18] A costume action drama, it was directed by A. R. Kardar and co-starred Bimla Kumari and Lalita.[19] In 1939, Khan acted in the film Aap Ki Marzi, directed by Sarvottam Badami, and co-starring Sabita Devi and Motilal. It was based on the Edward Buzzell directed film Paradise for Three (1938) from Erich Kastner's novel Three Men in the Snow.[20]

1940s

In 1940, Khan played an important role in Achhut, a film made to "promote Gandhi's movement against untouchability".[21] The cast included Motilal, Gohar Sitara Devi, and Noor Mohammed Charlie. It was produced by Chandulal Shah for his company Ranjit Studios. The premiere was attended by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.[22] In Bharosa, Khan played the role of a man who leaves his wife (Sardar Akhtar) in the care of his trusted friend (Chandra Mohan) and his wife when he has to go abroad on work. The resulting consequences form the basis of the story. The film was directed by Sohrab Modi for Minerva Movietone.[23]

In 1941, Khan acted in Padosi, directed by V. Shantaram for his Prabhat Film Company. It was made following communal tension at the formation of Muslim League. The film showed friendly relations between the Hindus and the Muslims. To achieve a better coalition, Shantaram had Khan, a Muslim, played a Hindu character, while Gajanan Jagirdar, a Hindu, played a Muslim character.[1] His role as Thakur garnered critical acclaim.[5]

Akela (1941) was another box-office success of Khan's. The film was directed by Pesi Karani for producer Kikubhai Desai and co-starred Bibbo and E. Billimoria.[24]

By January 1942, Khan had continuously worked for fourteen years in the film industry and acted in over 112 films.[9] He directed his first film in 1942, called Meri Duniya on Hindu-Muslim unity, for National Artists, Bombay. Khan played a Sufi philosopher with Hari Shivdasani and Kaushalya in lead roles.[25] Khan set up his production company, Asiatic Pictures the same year, with the foundation ceremony for its maiden production Yad (Yaad) performed by V. Shantaram.[26]

Under his new banner Mazhar Art Productions, Khan made Badi Baat (1944) and Pehli Nazar in 1945. Pehli Nazar introduced Munawwar Sultana to the Indian film industry. The film was directed by Khan, with story, dialogues and lyrics by Safdar "Aah". Singer Mukesh, who made his debut as a playback singer in 1941, in Nirdosh, gained popularity from Pehli Nazar, with the song, "Dil Jalta Hai Toh Jalne De" (Let The Heart Smolder), which became "an instant hit".[27]

Personal life and death

Mazhar Khan with wife and sons, Anwar and Afsar

Khan was reported to be "a boxer, a polo player, a football champ and an all-round athlete".

Khan cited directors Ezra Mir, S. F. Hasnain, A. R. Kardar, and V. Shantaram as major inspirations.[9]

On September 24, 1950, Khan died of kidney failure in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was 45. Aman, his ex-wife, later claimed that he had been addicted to prescription drugs.[28]

Filmography

List:[29][30][31]

Silent films

YearFilmDirectorCo-starsProducer
1926Fatal Garland a.k.a. Haiyan No HaarB. P. MishraErmeline, Elizer, JamshedjiImperial Film Company
1926Durgesh NandiniBhagwati Prasad Mishra (B. P. Mishra or Bhagwati Mishra)Ermeline, Madanrai VakilSudarshan Films
1927Gamdeni Gori a.k.a. Village GirlMohan Dayaram Bhavnani (M. D. Bhavnani)Sulochana, W. M. Khan, Madanrai Vakil, Raja SandowImperial Film Company
1928Hoor-E-BaghdadBhagwati MishraErmeline, W. M. KhanImperial Film Company, Saraswati Film Company
1929Vasal Ki Raat a.k.a. Wedding NightParshwanath Yeshwant AltekarAltekar, Jilloobai, Mubarak, NayanpalliImperial Film Company
1929Hawai Sawar a.k.a. Flying PrinceM. D. BhavnaniD. Billimoria, Diana, MayaImperial Film Company
1929Do Dhari Talwar (Be Dhari Talwar) a.k.a. ChallengeBhagwati MishraErmeline, E. Billimoria, Asooji, W. M. KhanImperial Film Company
1929Khwab-E-Hasti a.k.a. Magic FluteM. D. BhavnaniSulochana, D. Billimoria, Diana Belle, Baburao Sansare, GoharImperial Film Company
1929Mewad Nu Moti a.k.a. Jewel Of RajputanaBhagwati MishraSulochana, D. Billimoria, Madanrai VakilImperial Film Company
1930Ram Rahim a.k.a. Ram and RahimK. P. BhaveE. Billimoria, Gohar, W. M. KhanImperial Film Company
1930Bachcha Sakka a.k.a. Joshe Jawani, Romance Of YouthMoti B. GidwaniMaster Vithal, Gohar, Chabdrarao KadamSagar Film Company
1930Hamara Hindustan a.k.a. Father IndiaR. S. Chowdhary (Rama Chowdhary)Sulochana, Jal Merchant, Madanrai Vakil, JilloobaiPatel Brothers, Imperial Film Company
1930Sinbad The Sailor a.k.a. Sinbad KhalasiR. G. TorneyElizer, Wagle, Sushila, JamshetjiImperial Film Company
1930Intaqam a.k.a. RevengeK. P. BhaveSultana, E. Billimoria, Baburao Sansare, W. M. KhanImperial Film Company
1930Cinema GirlBhagwati MishraPrithviraj Kapoor, Ermeline, Baburao SansareImperial Film Company
1931Golibar a.k.a. Avenging AngelsBhagwati MishraPrithviraj Kapoor, Ermeline, RomilaSagar Film Company
1931Kamar-Al-ZamanGazanafar Ali ShahPramila, Manorama, W. M. KhanImperial Film Company
1931Raj TilakMadanrai VakilErmeline, Mehboob Khan, Elizer, GoharImperial Film Company

Talkies

YearFilmDirectorCo-starsProducer
1931Nurjehan a.k.a. Noor JehanEzra MirVimala, Mubarak, NayampallyImperial Film Company
1932Subah Ka SitaraPremankur AtorthyK. L. Saigal, Kumar, RattanbaiNew Theatres Ltd., Calcutta
1933Nala DamyantiB. H. RajhansMukhtar Begum, Krishna Chandra Dey, Indubala, Akhtari Muradabadi, Narmada ShankarEast India Film Company
1933Ek Din Ka Badshah a.k.a. King For A DayB. H. RajhansSabita Devi, Indubala, BachanEast India Film Company
1933Aurat Ka Pyar a.k.a. A Woman's LoveA. R. KardarGul Hamid, Mukhtar Begum, Anwaribai, BachanEast India Film Company
1934Night Bird a.k.a. Nishachar, Raat Ka RajaDhirendranath GangulyGul Hamid, Indubala, Nazir, AnwariEast India Film Company
1934ChandraguptaA. R. KardarGul Hamid, Nazir, Sabita DeviEast India Film Company
1934SultanaA. R. KardarGul Hamid, Indubala, Zarina, Nazir, NawabEast India Film Company
1934Mumtaz BegumAkhtar NawazGul Hamid, Anwari, Bachan, AkhtariEast India Film Company
1935Step Mother a.k.a. Sauteli MaS. D. KerawalaGul Hamid, Sultana, Indubala, RadharaniEast India Film Company
1935Sulagto Sansar a.k.a. MurdererG. R. SethiGul Hamid, Patience Cooper, Indubala, LalitaEast India Film Company
1935SelimaModhu BoseGul Hamid, Madhavi, NandkishoreEast India Film Company
1935Bidrohi a.k.a. Freedom FighterDhirendranath GangulyGul Hamid, Sultana, Indubala, RadharaniEast India Film Company
1936Baghi Sipahi a.k.a. Rebel SoldierA. R. KardarPatience Cooper, Bimla Kumari, Gul HamidEast India Film Company
1936Shaitan Ka Pash a.k.a. Devil's DiceEzra MirKhalil, Jehanara Kajjan, PeerjanMadan Theatres
1936Sunhera Sansar a.k.a. Golden WorldDebaki BoseGul Hamid, Menaka Devi, Azurie, Rampiari, K. N. SinghEast India Film Company
1936Hawai Daku a.k.a. Bandit Of The AirS. R. ChoudharyHashmat, K. N. Singh, Manjari, BachchuModern India Talkies
1937Khudai KhidmatgarVithaldas PanchotiaRampyari, Sarla Devi, KhalilBharat Laxmi
1937MilapA. R. KardarPrithviraj Kapoor, Indira Devi, Rampyari, Yakub, M. EsmailMoti Mahal Theatres
1938Professor Waman MSc.Manibhai VyasE. Billimoria, Sitara Devi, Rajkumari, Waheedan BaiRanjit Movietone
1938Prithvi PutraJayant DesaiE. Billimoria, Waheedan, Ram ApteRanjit Movietone
1938RikshawalaEzra MirNoor Mohammed Charlie, Waheedan, Dixit, Indubala, GhoryRanjit Movietone
1939Meri AnkheinDwarka KhoslaSitara Devi, Khursheed, Ishwarlal, Trilok KapoorSupreme Pictures
1939Gazi SalaudinI. A. HafizjiRattan Bai, Ishwarlal, Ghulam Mohammed, YakubSupreme Pictures
1939Aap Ki Marzi a.k.a. As You WishSarvottam BadamiSabita Devi, Motilal, K. N. SinghSudama Productions
1940Achhut a.k.a. The UntouchableChandulal ShahGohar, Motilal, Vasanti, CharlieRanjit Movietone
1940SuhagBalwant BhattKumar, Bibbo, AshalataCirco
1940Bharosa a.k.a. TrustSohrab ModiChandra Mohan, Maya Devi, Sardar AkhtarMinerva Movietone
1941Mere RajaT. M. ManiE. Billimoria, Bibbo, MotiParamount
1941Akela a.k.a. AlonePesi KaraniE. Billimoria, Bibbo, MotiGreat India Pictures
1941Masoom a.k.a. The InnocentS. F. HasnainRamola, Mehtab, Nazir KashmiriFazli Brothers
1941Padosi a.k.a. NeighboursV. ShantaramGajanan Jagirdar, Balakram, Anees KhatoonPrabhat Film Company
1942Bhakta KabirRameshwar SharmaBharat Bhushan, Mehtab, Padma DeviUnity Productions
1942Raja Rani a.k.a. King And QueenNajam NaqviVanmala, Trilik Kapoor, Sunalini Devi, Maya DeviAtre Pictures
1942Meri Duniya a.k.a. Marvi or Umar MarviMazhar KhanHari Shivdasani, Kaushalya, Ashiq HusainNational Artists
1942Ghar Sansar a.k.a. Married LifeVishnu VyasSardar Akhtar, Nazir, Jehanara KazanSunrise Pictures
1942Nai DuniyaA. R. KardarShobhana Samarth, Jairaj, Hari Shivdasani, WastiCirco
1942UljhanN. R. AcharyaSardar Akhtar, Anjali Devi, Rajkumari ShuklaAcharya Arts
1942YaadMazhar KhanVeena, Shahzadi, Satish, AzurieAsiatic Pictures
1944Bachpan a.k.a. ChildhoodHomi WadiaBaby Madhuri, Chandraprabha, Nandrekar, DixitBasant Pictures
1944Badi BaatMazhar KhanSwarnalata, Ulhas, Kumar, Zarina, YakubMazhar Arts
1944Biswi SadiM. D. BhavnaniMotilal, Nargis, Gope, Bhudo Advani, AshalataBhavnani Productions
1944DraupadiBaburao PatelChandra Mohan, Sushila Rani, David, KanhaiyalalNew Huns Pictures
1944Phool a.k.a. The FlowerK. AsifVeena, Sitara Devi, Suraiya, Prithviraj KapoorFamous Films
1947NaiyaAslam NooriMunawwar Sultana, Ashraf Khan, Shahzadi, SumanMohan Pictures
1948Sona a.k.a. GoldMazhar KhanMunawwar Sultana, Navin Yagnik, Madhuri, DixitMazhar Art Productions
1949Dil Ki DuniyaMazhar KhanMunawwar Sultana, Geeta Bali, Suman, JaswantNoble Art Productions
1950NiralaDevendra MukherjeeDev Anand, Madhubala, Yakub, Mumtaz AliM & T Films
1950Usha KiranJawad HussainGeeta Bali, Nimmi, Lalita PawarTiger Films

References

  1. 1 2 S. Lal (1 January 2008). 50 Magnificent Indians Of The 20Th Century. Jaico Publishing House. pp. 275–. ISBN 978-81-7992-698-7. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  2. 1 2 Ashok Raj (1 November 2009). "3-K.L. Saigal and other Heroes". Hero Vol.1. Hay House, Inc. pp. 46–. ISBN 978-93-81398-02-9. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Mazhar Khan-The passing away of a great actor" (PDF). The Motion Picture Magazine. 14 (11). November 1950. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  4. ↑ Neepa Majumdar (1 October 2010). Wanted Cultured Ladies Only!: Female Stardom and Cinema in India, 1930s-1950s. University of Illinois Press. pp. 224–. ISBN 978-0-252-09178-0. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 Patel, Baburao Zabak (June 1941). "Once Unknown But Today-Mazhar". Filmindia. 7 (6): 55. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  6. ↑ Rani, Sushila (November 1942). "Mazhar Khan Hits Out". Filmindia. 8 (11): 59. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  7. ↑ Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. pp. 147–148. ISBN 9781135943189.
  8. 1 2 Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. pp. 127, 146, 209, 223, 256. ISBN 978-1-135-94318-9. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 "Blackmailed Interview of Mazhar Khan". Filmindia. 8 (1): 47. January 1948. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  10. ↑ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. pp. 250–. ISBN 978-1-135-94318-9. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  11. ↑ Alys Eve Weinbaum; Lynn M. Thomas (3 December 2008). The Modern Girl Around the World: Consumption, Modernity, and Globalization. Duke University Press. pp. 153–. ISBN 978-0-8223-8919-4. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  12. ↑ Gulazāra; Saibal Chatterjee (2003). Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema. Popular Prakashan. pp. 588–. ISBN 978-81-7991-066-5. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  13. ↑ Nevile, Pran (2011). K. L. Saigal A Definitive Biography. India: Penguin Books India Ltd. p. 12. ISBN 9780143414063.
  14. ↑ "Nala Damayanti". indiancine.ma. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  15. ↑ "Aurat Ka Pyar". lyricsbogie.com. Lyrics Bogie. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  16. ↑ Bhagwan Das Garga (1996). So many cinemas: the motion picture in India. Eminence Designs. ISBN 978-81-900602-1-9. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  17. ↑ "Chandragupta (1934)". chiloka.com. Chiloka. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  18. ↑ Yves Thoraval (1 February 2000). The cinemas of India. Macmillan India. ISBN 978-0-333-93410-4. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  19. ↑ "Baghi Sipahi". gomolo.com. Gomolo. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  20. ↑ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen; Professor of Critical Studies Paul Willemen (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. pp. 50–. ISBN 978-1-135-94318-9. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  21. ↑ Andrea L. Stanton; Edward Ramsamy; Peter J. Seybolt; Carolyn M. Elliott (5 January 2012). Cultural Sociology of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa: An Encyclopedia. SAGE Publications. pp. 3–. ISBN 978-1-4522-6662-6. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  22. ↑ Indian History Congress (2007). Proceedings - Indian History Congress. Vol. 66. p. 943. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  23. ↑ Patel, Baburao (September 1940). "Review-Bharosa". Filmindia. 6 (9): 48. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  24. ↑ Patel, Baburao (September 1941). "Akela-Review". Filmindia. 7 (8): 62. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  25. ↑ Patel, Baburao (February 1942). "Pictures in Making". Filmindia. 8 (9): 61. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  26. ↑ Patel, Baburao (October 1942). "Pictures in the Making". Filmindia. 8 (2): 69. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  27. ↑ Gulazāra; Saibal Chatterjee (2003). Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema. Popular Prakashan. p. 286. ISBN 978-81-7991-066-5. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  28. ↑ "When Zeenat Aman revealed husband Mazhar Khan's family didn't allow her to attend his funeral: 'So much bitterness'". The Indian Express. 13 November 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  29. ↑ "Mazhar Khan-Filmography". citwf.com. Alan Goble. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  30. ↑ "Mazhar Khan Filmography-Talkies". indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  31. ↑ "Mazhar Khan Filmography-Talkies". muvyz.com. Muvyz Ltd. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
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