S. S. Vasan
Encyclopedia
Subramaniam Srinivasan (10 March 1903 (official) – 26 August 1969), popularly known by his screen name S. S. Vasan, was an
Indian journalist, writer, advertiser, film producer, director and business tycoon. He is the founder of the Tamil-language magazine Ananda Vikatan
and the film production company Gemini Studios
.
Vasan was born in Thiruthuraipoondi
in the then Tanjore district
but was forced to migrate to Madras following the death of his father at an early age. Vasan discontinued his studies before graduation and set up an advertising business. In 1928, Vasan purchased a struggling Tamil magazine Ananda Bodhini and renamed and re-launched it as Ananda Vikatan
. Ananda Vikatan, consequently, emerged as the leading Tamil magazine in the then Madras Presidency
.
Vasan entered the Tamil film industry in 1936 when his novel Sathi Leelavathi was made into a film. In 1940, he purchased the Motion Picture Producers Combine, a film studio and renamed it Gemini Studios
. Gemini Studios made a number of successful Tamil and Hindi movies from 1940 to 1969, notable ones being Mangamma Sapatham
, Miss Malini
, Chandralekha
, Vanjikkottai Valiban
and Irumputhirai. Vasan also directed some of his later movies, the first being Chandralekha, which is considered by critics and film historians to be a milestone in Indian cinema. Vasav died in Madras on August 26, 1969 at the age of 65 or 66.
Vasan was an accomplished writer and translator and a hugely successful journalist. As a director, Vasan was known for his grandiose sets and innovative techniques that he introduced. Film historian Randor Guy
hailed Vasan as the "Cecil B. De Mille of India
".
in the then Tanjore district
in a poor Brahmin
family. While his official date of birth is listed as 10-03-1903, according to his family, he was born on January 4, 1904. Vasan's father died when he was two years old. In search of better prospects, Vasan and his mother Balambal migrated to the city of Madras, where Vasan continued his studies. However, Vasan dropped out of college before his graduation and in order to support his family, started an ad agency. He applied for a job with the Madras and South Mahratta Railway but could not save enough money for the safety deposit required.
Vasan renamed Ananda Bodhini as Ananda Vikatan
and took over as Chief Editor. He completely revamped it by introducing serial stories and crossword puzzles. Vasan followed a rigorous marketing strategy which eventually saw the emergence of Ananda Vikatan as the best selling Tamil magazine of the time. In 1933, he started a humour magazine in English called The Merry Magazine and in 1934, a Tamil weekly called Naradhar devoted to arts, politics, literature and social issues, both of which were successful. In 1934, Ananda Vikatan became the first Tamil magazine to advertise in the British periodicals Advertiser's Review and Advertiser's Weekly. Ananda Vikatan remained the foremost Tamil magazine until 1941, when writers Kalki Krishnamurthy
and Kalki Sadasivam left the editorial board of the Ananda Vikatan to start the Kalki
.
. Two years later, he became a film distributor when he obtained the distribution rights for films made by the Madras United Artists' Association. When a fire broke out in 1940 in the premises of the Motion Picture Producers Combine, a prominent film studio, damaging it completely, Vasan purchased the studio, rebuilt and renamed it as the Gemini Studios
. That very year, the Gemini Studios produced their first movie Madanakamarajan
. Madanakamarajan was a box-office success. Vasan followed it with Mangamma Sapatham
and Miss Malini
both of which were successful. Miss Malini, based on the story Mr. Sampath by R. K. Narayan
, launched the career of Gemini Ganesan
who later became a leading actor in the Tamil film industry.
Vasan's interest in films eventually led him to direct his first movie Chandralekha
. Chandralekha, which was released in 1948, after 5 years in production, became a highly successful and acclaimed film of the period. It had the first drum-dance and the longest sword-fight sequences in any Indian film. It was the costliest Indian film made until then and was the first major Indian film to be dubbed into English and released internationally. The dubbed Hindi version of the film was Vasan's first in Hindi. Following the success of Chandralekha, made a few films in Hindi, of which Insaniyat
, Aurat
and Shatranj were moderately successful.
However Vasan was really preparing his big post-independence break. The 1948 Tamil Chennai film industry
classic Chandralekha
was rereleased in Hindi, and became an influential critical and commercial success across the country, and India's first all-country hit. The film, a spectacle, is remembered for its drum dance and extensive sword fight sequence. 603 prints of Chandralekha were made and the film was even released in the United States as Chandra with English subtitles!
In the 1950s Gemini Pictures came out with films both in Tamil and Hindi. Popular Hindi films include Mr. Sampat (1952), Insaniyat (1955), Raj Tilak (1958) and Paigam (1959).
In 1958 he established Gemini Colour Laboratories and believed in establishing the Film Trade on professional lines.
Vasan was the President of the Film Federation of India for two terms and was even nominated to the Rajya Sabha. He was the given the Padma Bhusan by the Govt. of India in 1969, the year of his death. His son SS Balan was mentored by him, and ran the flourishing Gemini Studios and Vasan Publications (Ananda Vikatan) till the concept of movie studios themselves were threatened in the 70's. Balan continued to be editor of Ananda Vikatan and launched the first Tamil investigative journal - Junior Vikatan, that became wildly successful till 2006 and is now the Chairman of the Vikatan Group.
Gemini Pictures declined in the 1970s although it has remained successful as a studio and equipment rental business though no longer held by his family. Ananda Vikatan under Vasan Publications has branched off into being one of the largest media groups in Tamil Nadu and continues to be privately held within family.
Indian journalist, writer, advertiser, film producer, director and business tycoon. He is the founder of the Tamil-language magazine Ananda Vikatan
Ananda Vikatan
Ananda Vikatan ஆனந்த விகடன் is the leading Tamil language weekly magazine published from Chennai, India. It is part of the Vikatan group which also publishes Junior Vikatan , Chutti Vikatan , Aval Vikatan , Naanayam Vikatan , Sakthi Vikatan , Motor Vikatan and Pasumai Vikatan Ananda Vikatan ஆனந்த...
and the film production company Gemini Studios
Gemini Studios
Gemini Studios was launched when Thiruthuraipoondi Subramanian Srinivasan bought a film distribution concern at an auction and renamed it as Gemini Pictures also known as Gemini Studios. Gemini Studios served as a breeding ground for innumerable artists and technicians for the south Indian Film...
.
Vasan was born in Thiruthuraipoondi
Thiruthuraipoondi
Thiruthuraipoondi is a city and a municipality in Thiruvarur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thiruthuraipoondi is 330 km south of Chennai, 40 km west of Nagappattinam and 65 km east of Thanjavur.- Geography :...
in the then Tanjore district
Tanjore District (Madras Presidency)
Tanjore district was one of the districts in the erstwhile Madras Presidency of British India. It covered the area of the present-day districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam and the Aranthangi taluk of Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu...
but was forced to migrate to Madras following the death of his father at an early age. Vasan discontinued his studies before graduation and set up an advertising business. In 1928, Vasan purchased a struggling Tamil magazine Ananda Bodhini and renamed and re-launched it as Ananda Vikatan
Ananda Vikatan
Ananda Vikatan ஆனந்த விகடன் is the leading Tamil language weekly magazine published from Chennai, India. It is part of the Vikatan group which also publishes Junior Vikatan , Chutti Vikatan , Aval Vikatan , Naanayam Vikatan , Sakthi Vikatan , Motor Vikatan and Pasumai Vikatan Ananda Vikatan ஆனந்த...
. Ananda Vikatan, consequently, emerged as the leading Tamil magazine in the then Madras Presidency
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
.
Vasan entered the Tamil film industry in 1936 when his novel Sathi Leelavathi was made into a film. In 1940, he purchased the Motion Picture Producers Combine, a film studio and renamed it Gemini Studios
Gemini Studios
Gemini Studios was launched when Thiruthuraipoondi Subramanian Srinivasan bought a film distribution concern at an auction and renamed it as Gemini Pictures also known as Gemini Studios. Gemini Studios served as a breeding ground for innumerable artists and technicians for the south Indian Film...
. Gemini Studios made a number of successful Tamil and Hindi movies from 1940 to 1969, notable ones being Mangamma Sapatham
Mangamma Sapatham (1943 film)
Mangamma Sapatham is a 1943 Tamil-language film starring Ranjan, Vasundhara Devi, N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Maduram. The film was produced by S. S. Vasan and directed by T. G. Raghavanchari.-Plot:...
, Miss Malini
Miss Malini
Miss Malini is a social satire film from South India based on the Mr. Sampath story by R.K. Narayan. It included aspects of life in Madras during the World War II period when there was a shortage of commodities and high prices, and includes depictions of social mores, a love story, and the moral...
, Chandralekha
Chandralekha (1948 film)
Chandralekha is a 1948 Tamil epic film directed and produced by S. S. Vasan. It features an ensemble cast consisting of M.K.Radha, Ranjan, T. R. Rajakumari, N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Madhuram...
, Vanjikkottai Valiban
Vanjikkottai Valiban
Vanjikkottai Valiban is a 1958 Black-and-white Tamil Ruritanian romance epic film written by Gemini Studios story department consist of K. J. Mahadevan, C. Srinivasan and Kothamangalam Subbu while the film was directed and produced by S. S. Vasan. It stars Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala in lead...
and Irumputhirai. Vasan also directed some of his later movies, the first being Chandralekha, which is considered by critics and film historians to be a milestone in Indian cinema. Vasav died in Madras on August 26, 1969 at the age of 65 or 66.
Vasan was an accomplished writer and translator and a hugely successful journalist. As a director, Vasan was known for his grandiose sets and innovative techniques that he introduced. Film historian Randor Guy
Randor Guy
Randor Guy is the pen name of Madabhushi Rangadorai, a prominent Indian lawyer, columnist and film and legal historian associated with the English language newspaper The Hindu.-Early life:Guy graduated in B.Sc and B. L. from Madras University and commenced his career as a lawyer...
hailed Vasan as the "Cecil B. De Mille of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
".
Early life
Vasan was born in the town of ThiruthuraipoondiThiruthuraipoondi
Thiruthuraipoondi is a city and a municipality in Thiruvarur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thiruthuraipoondi is 330 km south of Chennai, 40 km west of Nagappattinam and 65 km east of Thanjavur.- Geography :...
in the then Tanjore district
Tanjore District (Madras Presidency)
Tanjore district was one of the districts in the erstwhile Madras Presidency of British India. It covered the area of the present-day districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam and the Aranthangi taluk of Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu...
in a poor Brahmin
Brahmin
Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...
family. While his official date of birth is listed as 10-03-1903, according to his family, he was born on January 4, 1904. Vasan's father died when he was two years old. In search of better prospects, Vasan and his mother Balambal migrated to the city of Madras, where Vasan continued his studies. However, Vasan dropped out of college before his graduation and in order to support his family, started an ad agency. He applied for a job with the Madras and South Mahratta Railway but could not save enough money for the safety deposit required.
Ananda Vikatan
By the late 1920s, Vasan had begun to make considerable profits. In 1928, he purchased a struggling Tamil humour magazine named Ananda Bodhini for Rs. 200. During this period, Vasan wrote a number of short stories for the Tamil magazines he brought advertisements for, with mixed success. He also translated popular English fiction and ran a successful mail order business.Vasan renamed Ananda Bodhini as Ananda Vikatan
Ananda Vikatan
Ananda Vikatan ஆனந்த விகடன் is the leading Tamil language weekly magazine published from Chennai, India. It is part of the Vikatan group which also publishes Junior Vikatan , Chutti Vikatan , Aval Vikatan , Naanayam Vikatan , Sakthi Vikatan , Motor Vikatan and Pasumai Vikatan Ananda Vikatan ஆனந்த...
and took over as Chief Editor. He completely revamped it by introducing serial stories and crossword puzzles. Vasan followed a rigorous marketing strategy which eventually saw the emergence of Ananda Vikatan as the best selling Tamil magazine of the time. In 1933, he started a humour magazine in English called The Merry Magazine and in 1934, a Tamil weekly called Naradhar devoted to arts, politics, literature and social issues, both of which were successful. In 1934, Ananda Vikatan became the first Tamil magazine to advertise in the British periodicals Advertiser's Review and Advertiser's Weekly. Ananda Vikatan remained the foremost Tamil magazine until 1941, when writers Kalki Krishnamurthy
Kalki Krishnamurthy
Kalki was the pen name of R. Krishnamurthy , a noted Tamil writer, film & music critic, Indian independence activist and journalist from Tamil Nadu, India.- Biography:...
and Kalki Sadasivam left the editorial board of the Ananda Vikatan to start the Kalki
Kalki (magazine)
Kalki is a Tamil magazine published from Chennai, Tamilnadu. The magazine was established by Kalki Krishnamurthy, a popular Tamil novelist and Indian freedom fighter. The magazine was very famous for its publication of historic novels by Kalki such as Ponniyin Selvan and Sivagamiyin Sabadham....
.
Movies
In 1936, Vasan's Tamil novel Sathi Leelavathi was made into a movieSathi Leelavathi (1936 film)
Sathi Leelavathi is a 1936 Tamil film directed by Ellis R. Dungan. This was the first film for M. G. Ramachandran and for Dungan as director. This was one of the first Tamil films to become the subject of court case involving copyright violations....
. Two years later, he became a film distributor when he obtained the distribution rights for films made by the Madras United Artists' Association. When a fire broke out in 1940 in the premises of the Motion Picture Producers Combine, a prominent film studio, damaging it completely, Vasan purchased the studio, rebuilt and renamed it as the Gemini Studios
Gemini Studios
Gemini Studios was launched when Thiruthuraipoondi Subramanian Srinivasan bought a film distribution concern at an auction and renamed it as Gemini Pictures also known as Gemini Studios. Gemini Studios served as a breeding ground for innumerable artists and technicians for the south Indian Film...
. That very year, the Gemini Studios produced their first movie Madanakamarajan
Madanakamarajan
Madanakamarajan is a 1941 Tamil film directed by B. N . Rao and produced by S. S. Vasan. It was the first film for Vasan as producer.-Production:...
. Madanakamarajan was a box-office success. Vasan followed it with Mangamma Sapatham
Mangamma Sapatham (1943 film)
Mangamma Sapatham is a 1943 Tamil-language film starring Ranjan, Vasundhara Devi, N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Maduram. The film was produced by S. S. Vasan and directed by T. G. Raghavanchari.-Plot:...
and Miss Malini
Miss Malini
Miss Malini is a social satire film from South India based on the Mr. Sampath story by R.K. Narayan. It included aspects of life in Madras during the World War II period when there was a shortage of commodities and high prices, and includes depictions of social mores, a love story, and the moral...
both of which were successful. Miss Malini, based on the story Mr. Sampath by R. K. Narayan
R. K. Narayan
R. K. Narayan , shortened from Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami Tamil: ) , Madras Presidency, British India. His father was a school headmaster, and Narayan did some of his studies at his father's school...
, launched the career of Gemini Ganesan
Gemini Ganesan
Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies....
who later became a leading actor in the Tamil film industry.
Vasan's interest in films eventually led him to direct his first movie Chandralekha
Chandralekha (1948 film)
Chandralekha is a 1948 Tamil epic film directed and produced by S. S. Vasan. It features an ensemble cast consisting of M.K.Radha, Ranjan, T. R. Rajakumari, N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Madhuram...
. Chandralekha, which was released in 1948, after 5 years in production, became a highly successful and acclaimed film of the period. It had the first drum-dance and the longest sword-fight sequences in any Indian film. It was the costliest Indian film made until then and was the first major Indian film to be dubbed into English and released internationally. The dubbed Hindi version of the film was Vasan's first in Hindi. Following the success of Chandralekha, made a few films in Hindi, of which Insaniyat
Insaniyat
Insaniyat is an Urdu word meaning Humanity and is the title of the following Hindi films :-*Insaniyat starring Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand* Insaaniyat starring Shashi Kapoor*Insaniyat starring Kimi Katkar...
, Aurat
Aurat
Aurat meaning "woman" in Urdu and Hindi.* Awrah : genitalia and other parts of the body to be clothed as required by Islam.- Fiction :* Aurat , by Mehboob Khan* Aurat , starring Premnath...
and Shatranj were moderately successful.
However Vasan was really preparing his big post-independence break. The 1948 Tamil Chennai film industry
Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered...
classic Chandralekha
Chandralekha (1948 film)
Chandralekha is a 1948 Tamil epic film directed and produced by S. S. Vasan. It features an ensemble cast consisting of M.K.Radha, Ranjan, T. R. Rajakumari, N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Madhuram...
was rereleased in Hindi, and became an influential critical and commercial success across the country, and India's first all-country hit. The film, a spectacle, is remembered for its drum dance and extensive sword fight sequence. 603 prints of Chandralekha were made and the film was even released in the United States as Chandra with English subtitles!
In the 1950s Gemini Pictures came out with films both in Tamil and Hindi. Popular Hindi films include Mr. Sampat (1952), Insaniyat (1955), Raj Tilak (1958) and Paigam (1959).
In 1958 he established Gemini Colour Laboratories and believed in establishing the Film Trade on professional lines.
Vasan was the President of the Film Federation of India for two terms and was even nominated to the Rajya Sabha. He was the given the Padma Bhusan by the Govt. of India in 1969, the year of his death. His son SS Balan was mentored by him, and ran the flourishing Gemini Studios and Vasan Publications (Ananda Vikatan) till the concept of movie studios themselves were threatened in the 70's. Balan continued to be editor of Ananda Vikatan and launched the first Tamil investigative journal - Junior Vikatan, that became wildly successful till 2006 and is now the Chairman of the Vikatan Group.
Gemini Pictures declined in the 1970s although it has remained successful as a studio and equipment rental business though no longer held by his family. Ananda Vikatan under Vasan Publications has branched off into being one of the largest media groups in Tamil Nadu and continues to be privately held within family.
Legacy
Vasan believed that films were meant to entertain and were meant to be catered to the ordinary man. Colossal production values, huge sets, mammoth dances, thousands of extras were his hallmark. Thus his films were more akin to variety entertain-ment programmes rather than true cinema.As director
Year | Film | Language | Cast | Notes |
1948 | Chandralekha Chandralekha (1948 film) Chandralekha is a 1948 Tamil epic film directed and produced by S. S. Vasan. It features an ensemble cast consisting of M.K.Radha, Ranjan, T. R. Rajakumari, N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Madhuram... |
Tamil | Ranjan, T.R.Rajakumari, N. S. Krishnan N. S. Krishnan Nagerkoyil Sudalaimuthu Krishnan , popularly known as Kalaivanar and also as 'NSK' was a leading Tamil film comedian, drama artist, playback singer and writer in the early stages of the Tamil film industry - in the 1940s and 1950s.... , Maduram |
A superhit which revolutionized Tamil cinema. Vasan's first directorial venture. |
1948 | Chandralekha | Hindi | Ranjan, T.R.Rajakumari, M.K.Radha | Bollywood version of S.S.Vasan's Tamil film 'Chandralekha'. Vasan's first directorial venture in Hindi |
1949 | Nishan | Hindi | Bhanumathi, J.S.Casshyap, Ranjan, R.Nagendra Rao, M.K.Radha | |
1951 | Sansar | Hindi | David Abraham | |
1952 | Mr. Sampat | Hindi | Motilal, Padmini, Kanhaiyalal, Swaraj, Vanaja and Agha | Film version of R. K. Narayan R. K. Narayan R. K. Narayan , shortened from Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami Tamil: ) , Madras Presidency, British India. His father was a school headmaster, and Narayan did some of his studies at his father's school... 's novel |
1954 | Bahut Din Huye | Hindi | Madhubala Madhubala Mumtaz Jahan Begum Dehlavi, known by her stage name Madhubala was a Hindi movie actress. She starred in several successful movies in the 1950s and early 1960s, many of which have attained a classic status... |
|
1955 | Insaniyat Insaniyat (1955 film) Insaniyat is a 1955 Hindi film produced and directed by S. S. Vasan. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Bina Rai, Jayant and Shobhana Samarth. The film songs written by Rajendra Krishna. The films music is by C. Ramachandra. It is remake of 1950 Telugu film Palletoori Pilla .-Cast:*Shobhna... |
Hindi | Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar , is an Indian actor and a former Member of Parliament.He lives in Pali Hill, Bandra in Mumbai, India. He is commonly known as "Tragedy King",and is described as "the ultimate method actor" by Satyajit Ray.... , Dev Anand Dev Anand Dharam Dev Anand , better known as Dev Anand , is an Indian Hindi Cinema actor, director and film producer. Dev is the second of three brothers who were active in Hindi Cinema. His brothers are Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand. Their sister, Sheel Kanta Kapur, is the mother of renowned Hindi and... , Bina Rai Bina Rai Bina Rai , , was a leading actress primarily of the black and white era of Hindi cinema. She is most known for her roles in classics such as Anarkali , Taj Mahal , and won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film, Ghunghat .-Early life:Bina Rai born as Krishna Sarin... , Jayant Jayant -Personal life:Jayant was married and her children were Amjad Khan, Inayat Khan and Imtiaz Khan. He was the grandfather of Shadaab Khan, Ahlam Khan, Seemaab Khan and Ayesha Khan and father-in-law of Shaila Khan and Krutika Desai Khan.-Death:... and Shobhana Samarth |
Remake of 1950 Telugu hit film Palletoori Pilla Palletoori Pilla Palletoori Pilla is a 1950 Telugu film directed by B. A. Subba Rao. The title role is played by Anjali Devi. The story was loosely based on the English play, Pizaro by Richard Sheridan. The film is a commercial hit and ran for more than 100 days in 6 centres. This is also the first film wherein... |
1958 | Vanjikkottai Valiban Vanjikkottai Valiban Vanjikkottai Valiban is a 1958 Black-and-white Tamil Ruritanian romance epic film written by Gemini Studios story department consist of K. J. Mahadevan, C. Srinivasan and Kothamangalam Subbu while the film was directed and produced by S. S. Vasan. It stars Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala in lead... |
Tamil | Gemini Ganesan Gemini Ganesan Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies.... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , Padmini Padmini (actress) Padmini was an Indian actress and trained Bharathanatyam dancer who has acted in over 250 Indian films. She has acted in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi language films... |
|
1958 | Raj Tilak | Hindi | Gemini Ganesan Gemini Ganesan Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies.... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , Padmini Padmini (actress) Padmini was an Indian actress and trained Bharathanatyam dancer who has acted in over 250 Indian films. She has acted in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi language films... , Pran, Gajanan Jagirdar, Bipin Gupta, Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar was a prolific Indian actress, who later became famous as character actress, appearing in over 700 films in Hindi and Marathi cinema, where she gave hits like, Netaji Palkar , made by Bhalji Pendharkar, New Hana Pictures’ Sant Damaji, Navyug Chitrapat’s Amrit, written by VS Khandekar,... |
Remake of Vanjikkottai Valiban Vanjikkottai Valiban Vanjikkottai Valiban is a 1958 Black-and-white Tamil Ruritanian romance epic film written by Gemini Studios story department consist of K. J. Mahadevan, C. Srinivasan and Kothamangalam Subbu while the film was directed and produced by S. S. Vasan. It stars Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala in lead... |
1959 | Paigham | Hindi | Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar , is an Indian actor and a former Member of Parliament.He lives in Pali Hill, Bandra in Mumbai, India. He is commonly known as "Tragedy King",and is described as "the ultimate method actor" by Satyajit Ray.... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar , born Kulbushan Pandit was an Indian actor in Hindi movies. Raaj Kumar started out as sub-inspector of Mumbai police in the late 1940s before he turned to acting with the 1952 film Rangili... , B. Saroja Devil , Motilal and Johnny Walker Johnny Walker (actor) Johnny Walker is the screen name of an Indian movie comedian, who acted in over 300 movies. He was born as Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi in Indore, India, the son of a mill worker. The family shifted to Mumbai when the textile mill his father worked in closed... |
|
1960 | Irumputhirai | Tamil | Sivaji Ganesan Sivaji Ganesan Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , B. Saroja Devi B. Saroja Devi B. Saroja Devi is an Indian actress. She is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award and has acted in Kannada,Tamil, Telugu and Hindi movies.She is referred to as Abinaya Saraswathi by Tamil film industry and as Kannadathu Paingili by Kannada Film Industry.She ruled the roost for more than three... |
Remake of Paigham |
1961 | Gharana Gharana (1961 film) Gharana is a 1961 Hindi film that stars Rajendra Kumar, Raaj Kumar, and Asha Parekh. It is directed by S.S. Vasan. The film became a box office hit.-Plot:... |
Hindi | Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar was one of the most successful Indian Bollywood actors in the 1960s and 1970s. He also produced several films in the 1980s starring his son Kumar Gaurav.... , Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar , born Kulbushan Pandit was an Indian actor in Hindi movies. Raaj Kumar started out as sub-inspector of Mumbai police in the late 1940s before he turned to acting with the 1952 film Rangili... and Asha Parekh Asha Parekh Asha Parekh is a Bollywood actress, director, and producer. She was one of the top stars in Hindi films from 1959 to 1973.-Early life:... |
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1967 | Aurat Aurat (1967 film) Aurat is a 1967 Hindi movie produced and directed by S S Balan and SS Vasan. The film stars Padmini, Pran, Rajesh Khanna, Feroz Khan, Kanhaiyalal, David, O P Ralhan, Nazima, Lalita Pawar and Leela Chitnis. The films music is by Ravi.The film is totally revolving around character of Parvati's... |
Hindi | Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna is an Indian actor of from Hindi films, and has been Hindi film producer and an Indian politician.... , Padmini Padmini (actress) Padmini was an Indian actress and trained Bharathanatyam dancer who has acted in over 250 Indian films. She has acted in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi language films... , Feroz Khan Feroz Khan Feroz Khan was an Indian actor, film editor, producer and director in the Hindi film industry... , Pran, Kanhaiyalal, David, O P Ralhan, Nazima, Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar was a prolific Indian actress, who later became famous as character actress, appearing in over 700 films in Hindi and Marathi cinema, where she gave hits like, Netaji Palkar , made by Bhalji Pendharkar, New Hana Pictures’ Sant Damaji, Navyug Chitrapat’s Amrit, written by VS Khandekar,... and Leela Chitnis Leela Chitnis Leela Chitnis was an early actress in the Indian film industry.-Early life:She was born in Dharwar, Karnataka to an English professor. She was one of the first educated film actresses... |
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1968 | Teen Bahuraniyan | Hindi | Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor , 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was a pioneer of Indian theatre and of the Hindi film industry, who started his career as an actor, in the silent era of Hindi cinema, associated with IPTA and who founded Prithvi Theatres, a travelling theatre company based in Mumbai, in... , Agha Agha (actor) Agha was an Indian film producer in Bollywood films, who started his film career with the film Daulat in 1937.He was known for comic roles and appeared in over 180 Hindi films in his career between 1937 and 1989 spanning five decades.... , Kanchana, Sowcar Janaki Sowcar Janaki Sankaramanchi Janaki , popularly known as Shaukar Janaki , is a south-Indian actress who has acted in over 385 Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam films. She also performed on stage in over 300 shows, and performed for TANA all over the United States in 2 Telugu plays created by actor... , Jayanthi Jayanthi (actress) Jayanthi is an Indian actress. She has appeared in over 500 films, including films in the Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Marathi languages. In Kannada movies, she was honored with the title Abhinaya Sharade.... |
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1969 | Shatranj | Hindi | Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar was one of the most successful Indian Bollywood actors in the 1960s and 1970s. He also produced several films in the 1980s starring his son Kumar Gaurav.... , Waheeda Rehman Waheeda Rehman Waheeda Rehman , is an Indian film actress who appears in Bollywood movies and is known for many successful and critically acclaimed movies from 1950's, 60's and early 70's most notably C.I.D. and Guru Dutt classics such as Pyaasa , 12 O'Clock , Kaagaz Ke Phool , Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam... , Mehmood |
As Producer
Year | Film | Language | Cast | Director | Notes |
1941 | Madanakamarajan Madanakamarajan Madanakamarajan is a 1941 Tamil film directed by B. N . Rao and produced by S. S. Vasan. It was the first film for Vasan as producer.-Production:... |
Tamil | V. V. Satakopan, K. L. V. Vasantha | B. N. Rao | Vasan's first film as producer, but not officially produced by Gemini. It was advertised as "Produced for Dindugal Amirtham Talkies At Gemini Studios". |
1943 | Mangamma Sapatham | Tamil | Ranjan, Vasundhara Devi, N. S. Krishnan N. S. Krishnan Nagerkoyil Sudalaimuthu Krishnan , popularly known as Kalaivanar and also as 'NSK' was a leading Tamil film comedian, drama artist, playback singer and writer in the early stages of the Tamil film industry - in the 1940s and 1950s.... |
'Acharya' T.D. Raghavacharyal | A colossal hit, Vasan's first, which made him one of the biggest names in Tamil cinema |
1945 | Kannamma En Kadhali | Tamil | M. K. Radha, Sundari Bai | Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu , a noted Padmashri-award winning poet, lyricist, writer, actor and director from Tamil Nadu who authored the cult classic of Tamil novelThillana Mohanambal, later made into an enchanted movie... |
Vasan's second film as producer. Coming at the height of the Second World War, this was in support of Britain's war effort. |
1947 | Miss Malini | Tamil | Sampath, Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu , a noted Padmashri-award winning poet, lyricist, writer, actor and director from Tamil Nadu who authored the cult classic of Tamil novelThillana Mohanambal, later made into an enchanted movie... , V. Gopalakrishnan, Gemini Ganesan Gemini Ganesan Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies.... |
Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu , a noted Padmashri-award winning poet, lyricist, writer, actor and director from Tamil Nadu who authored the cult classic of Tamil novelThillana Mohanambal, later made into an enchanted movie... |
Gemini Ganesan's first hit film |
1948 | Chandralekha | Tamil | Ranjan, T.R.Rajakumari, M.K.Radha, N.S.Krishnan, T.A.Maduram | S.S.Vasan | A milestone in Tamil cinema. The film was another colossal hit of Vasan's and was known for its colossal sets and the unforgettable drum-dance. |
1948 | Chandralekha | Hindi | Ranjan, T.R.Rajakumari, M.K.Radha | S.S.Vasan | Hindi version of Tamil film 'Chandralekha'. S.S.Vasan's first Bollywood Bollywood Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing... production |
1949 | Apoorva Sahodarargal | Tamil | R.Nagendra Rao, M.K.Radha | 'Acharya' T.D. Raghavacharyal | |
1949 | Nishan | Hindi | Bhanumathi, J.S.Casshyap, Ranjan, R.Nagendra Rao, M.K.Radha | S.S.Vasan | |
1951 | Sansar | Hindi | David Abraham | S.S.Vasan | |
1951 | Samsaram | Tamil | |||
1952 | Mr.Sampath | Hindi | Motilal, Padmini, Kanhaiyalal, Swaraj, Vanaja and Agha | S.S.Vasan | Film version of R. K. Narayan R. K. Narayan R. K. Narayan , shortened from Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami Tamil: ) , Madras Presidency, British India. His father was a school headmaster, and Narayan did some of his studies at his father's school... 's novel |
1953 | Avvaiyar | Tamil | Gemini Ganesan Gemini Ganesan Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies.... , K. B. Sundarambal K. B. Sundarambal Kodumudi Balambal Sundarambal was a renowned stage artist and singer of South India. She was popularly referred to as the "Queen of the Indian stage." She was noted both for her resonant, vibrant voice and for the dignity of her performances. A political activist during the Indian independence... |
Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu Kothamangalam Subbu , a noted Padmashri-award winning poet, lyricist, writer, actor and director from Tamil Nadu who authored the cult classic of Tamil novelThillana Mohanambal, later made into an enchanted movie... |
A classic. The story of Tamil saint Avvaiyar, the film was known for its wonderful songs. |
1954 | Bahut Din Huye | Hindi | Madhubala Madhubala Mumtaz Jahan Begum Dehlavi, known by her stage name Madhubala was a Hindi movie actress. She starred in several successful movies in the 1950s and early 1960s, many of which have attained a classic status... , Savitri Kommareddy Savitri Kommareddy Kommareddy Savitri or Savitri Ganesh , was an Indian actress, director and producer. She had appeared in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages... |
S.S.Vasan | |
1955 | Insaniyat Insaniyat (1955 film) Insaniyat is a 1955 Hindi film produced and directed by S. S. Vasan. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Bina Rai, Jayant and Shobhana Samarth. The film songs written by Rajendra Krishna. The films music is by C. Ramachandra. It is remake of 1950 Telugu film Palletoori Pilla .-Cast:*Shobhna... |
Hindi | Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar , is an Indian actor and a former Member of Parliament.He lives in Pali Hill, Bandra in Mumbai, India. He is commonly known as "Tragedy King",and is described as "the ultimate method actor" by Satyajit Ray.... , Dev Anand Dev Anand Dharam Dev Anand , better known as Dev Anand , is an Indian Hindi Cinema actor, director and film producer. Dev is the second of three brothers who were active in Hindi Cinema. His brothers are Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand. Their sister, Sheel Kanta Kapur, is the mother of renowned Hindi and... , Bina Rai Bina Rai Bina Rai , , was a leading actress primarily of the black and white era of Hindi cinema. She is most known for her roles in classics such as Anarkali , Taj Mahal , and won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film, Ghunghat .-Early life:Bina Rai born as Krishna Sarin... , Jayant Jayant -Personal life:Jayant was married and her children were Amjad Khan, Inayat Khan and Imtiaz Khan. He was the grandfather of Shadaab Khan, Ahlam Khan, Seemaab Khan and Ayesha Khan and father-in-law of Shaila Khan and Krutika Desai Khan.-Death:... and Shobhana Samarth |
S.S.Vasan | |
1958 | Vanjikkottai Valiban | Tamil | Gemini Ganesan Gemini Ganesan Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies.... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , Padmini Padmini (actress) Padmini was an Indian actress and trained Bharathanatyam dancer who has acted in over 250 Indian films. She has acted in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi language films... |
S.S.Vasan | |
1958 | Raj Tilak | Hindi | Gemini Ganesan Gemini Ganesan Ramaswami Ganesan , popularly known as Gemini Ganesan , was an Indian actor. He was nicknamed "Kadhal Mannan" of Tamil cinema for the romantic roles he played in movies.... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , Pran, Padmini, Gajanan Jagirdar, Bipin Gupta, Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar was a prolific Indian actress, who later became famous as character actress, appearing in over 700 films in Hindi and Marathi cinema, where she gave hits like, Netaji Palkar , made by Bhalji Pendharkar, New Hana Pictures’ Sant Damaji, Navyug Chitrapat’s Amrit, written by VS Khandekar,... |
S.S.Vasan | |
1959 | Paigham | Hindi | Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar Dilip Kumar , is an Indian actor and a former Member of Parliament.He lives in Pali Hill, Bandra in Mumbai, India. He is commonly known as "Tragedy King",and is described as "the ultimate method actor" by Satyajit Ray.... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar , born Kulbushan Pandit was an Indian actor in Hindi movies. Raaj Kumar started out as sub-inspector of Mumbai police in the late 1940s before he turned to acting with the 1952 film Rangili... , B. Saroja Devi B. Saroja Devi B. Saroja Devi is an Indian actress. She is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award and has acted in Kannada,Tamil, Telugu and Hindi movies.She is referred to as Abinaya Saraswathi by Tamil film industry and as Kannadathu Paingili by Kannada Film Industry.She ruled the roost for more than three... , Motilal and Johnny Walker Johnny Walker (actor) Johnny Walker is the screen name of an Indian movie comedian, who acted in over 300 movies. He was born as Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi in Indore, India, the son of a mill worker. The family shifted to Mumbai when the textile mill his father worked in closed... |
S.S.Vasan | |
1960 | Ghunghat Ghunghat (1960 film) Ghunghat is a 1960 Hindi movie directed by Ramanand Sagar. The film stars Bharat Bhushan, Leela Chitnis, Pradeep Kumar, Bina Rai, Asha Parekh, Helen, Rajendranath, Rehman and Agha. The films music is by Ravi. The film became a hit at the box office. Musically also, it was liked by audience... |
Hindi | Bharat Bhushan Bharat Bhushan Bharat Bhushan was an Indian bollywood actor, scriptwriter and producer, who is best remembered for playing Baiju Bawra in the 1952 film of the same name. He was born in Meerut, and brought up in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.-Personal Life:... , Leela Chitnis Leela Chitnis Leela Chitnis was an early actress in the Indian film industry.-Early life:She was born in Dharwar, Karnataka to an English professor. She was one of the first educated film actresses... , Pradeep Kumar Pradeep Kumar Pradeep Kumar was an Indian actor in Bengali and Hindi films.-Career:When Kumar was 17 years old, he decided to take up acting. His started his film career in Bengali films... , Bina Rai Bina Rai Bina Rai , , was a leading actress primarily of the black and white era of Hindi cinema. She is most known for her roles in classics such as Anarkali , Taj Mahal , and won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film, Ghunghat .-Early life:Bina Rai born as Krishna Sarin... , Asha Parekh Asha Parekh Asha Parekh is a Bollywood actress, director, and producer. She was one of the top stars in Hindi films from 1959 to 1973.-Early life:... , Helen, Rajendranath, Rehman Rehman Rehman was an Indian film actor whose career spanned from late 1940s through to late 1970s. He was an integral part of the Guru Dutt team, and most known for his roles in films, like Pyaasa , Chaudhvin Ka Chand , Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Waqt... and Agha |
Ramanand Sagar Ramanand Sagar Ramanand Sagar was an Indian film director. He is most famous for making the extremely popular Ramayan television series, a television adaptation of the ancient Indian epic of the same name, starring Arun Govil as Lord Ram and Deepika Chikhalia as Sita.Sagar was born at Asal Guru-Ke near Lahore... |
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1960 | Irumbuthirai | Tamil | Sivaji Ganesan Sivaji Ganesan Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with... , Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.... , B. Saroja Devi B. Saroja Devi B. Saroja Devi is an Indian actress. She is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award and has acted in Kannada,Tamil, Telugu and Hindi movies.She is referred to as Abinaya Saraswathi by Tamil film industry and as Kannadathu Paingili by Kannada Film Industry.She ruled the roost for more than three... |
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1961 | Gharana Gharana (1961 film) Gharana is a 1961 Hindi film that stars Rajendra Kumar, Raaj Kumar, and Asha Parekh. It is directed by S.S. Vasan. The film became a box office hit.-Plot:... |
Hindi | Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar was one of the most successful Indian Bollywood actors in the 1960s and 1970s. He also produced several films in the 1980s starring his son Kumar Gaurav.... , Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar Raaj Kumar , born Kulbushan Pandit was an Indian actor in Hindi movies. Raaj Kumar started out as sub-inspector of Mumbai police in the late 1940s before he turned to acting with the 1952 film Rangili... and Asha Parekh Asha Parekh Asha Parekh is a Bollywood actress, director, and producer. She was one of the top stars in Hindi films from 1959 to 1973.-Early life:... |
S.S. Vasan | |
1963 | Grahasti | Hindi | Bipin Gupta, Iftekhar, Gajanan Jagirdar, Kanhaiyalal, Shubha Khote, Manmohan Krishna, Ashok Kumar Ashok Kumar Ashok Kumar also fondly called Dadamoni was an Indian film actor. Born Kumudlal Ganguly in Bhagalpur, Bengal Presidency he attained iconic status in Indian cinema... , Manoj Kumar Manoj Kumar Manoj Kumar is an award-winning Indian actor and director in the Bollywood film industry. He is known for acting in and directing films with patriotic themes, and has been given the nickname "Mr Bharat"... , Sudesh Kumar, Bharati Malwankar, Mehmood, Indrani Mukherjee |
Kishore Sahu | |
1967 | Aurat Aurat (1967 film) Aurat is a 1967 Hindi movie produced and directed by S S Balan and SS Vasan. The film stars Padmini, Pran, Rajesh Khanna, Feroz Khan, Kanhaiyalal, David, O P Ralhan, Nazima, Lalita Pawar and Leela Chitnis. The films music is by Ravi.The film is totally revolving around character of Parvati's... |
Hindi | Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna is an Indian actor of from Hindi films, and has been Hindi film producer and an Indian politician.... , Feroz Khan Feroz Khan Feroz Khan was an Indian actor, film editor, producer and director in the Hindi film industry... , Pran, Padmini Padmini (actress) Padmini was an Indian actress and trained Bharathanatyam dancer who has acted in over 250 Indian films. She has acted in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi language films... , Kanhaiyalal, David, O P Ralhan, Nazima Nazima Nazima is a former Bollywood actress who is most famous for her roles as a sister films from the 1960s and early 1970s. She was known as the "Resident Sister" of Bollywood... , Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar Lalita Pawar was a prolific Indian actress, who later became famous as character actress, appearing in over 700 films in Hindi and Marathi cinema, where she gave hits like, Netaji Palkar , made by Bhalji Pendharkar, New Hana Pictures’ Sant Damaji, Navyug Chitrapat’s Amrit, written by VS Khandekar,... and Leela Chitnis Leela Chitnis Leela Chitnis was an early actress in the Indian film industry.-Early life:She was born in Dharwar, Karnataka to an English professor. She was one of the first educated film actresses... |
S.S.Balan & S.S.Vasan | |
1968 | Teen Bahuraniyan | Hindi | Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor , 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was a pioneer of Indian theatre and of the Hindi film industry, who started his career as an actor, in the silent era of Hindi cinema, associated with IPTA and who founded Prithvi Theatres, a travelling theatre company based in Mumbai, in... ,Agha, Kanchana, Sowcar Janaki Sowcar Janaki Sankaramanchi Janaki , popularly known as Shaukar Janaki , is a south-Indian actress who has acted in over 385 Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam films. She also performed on stage in over 300 shows, and performed for TANA all over the United States in 2 Telugu plays created by actor... , Jayanthi Jayanthi (actress) Jayanthi is an Indian actress. She has appeared in over 500 films, including films in the Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Marathi languages. In Kannada movies, she was honored with the title Abhinaya Sharade.... |
S.S.Vasan | |
1969 | Shatranj | Hindi | Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar was one of the most successful Indian Bollywood actors in the 1960s and 1970s. He also produced several films in the 1980s starring his son Kumar Gaurav.... , Waheeda Rehman Waheeda Rehman Waheeda Rehman , is an Indian film actress who appears in Bollywood movies and is known for many successful and critically acclaimed movies from 1950's, 60's and early 70's most notably C.I.D. and Guru Dutt classics such as Pyaasa , 12 O'Clock , Kaagaz Ke Phool , Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam... , Mehmood |
S.S.Vasan |