Mumbai, April 28: Kedar Sharma, a renowned filmmaker and director in Hindi cinema, was celebrated for his strict demeanor, exceptional films, and knack for discovering new talent. One notable aspect of his legacy was the belief in a special charm he bestowed upon artists. If Sharma was pleased with an artist’s performance and gifted them a ‘duanni’ or ‘chavanni,’ it was said that they would go on to become a significant name in the industry. This small token became a lucky charm for many, with artists preserving it for years.
Born on April 12, 1910, in Naroula, Punjab, Kedar Sharma faced significant struggles in his early life. He had a deep interest in art, poetry, and films, but his father envisioned him as a teacher. However, Sharma’s dream was to work in cinema, prompting him to leave home for Kolkata, the then hub of the film industry.
Upon arriving in Kolkata, Sharma encountered numerous challenges. Initially, he struggled to find substantial work in films and began his career as a poster painter due to his artistic skills. Gradually, he learned various aspects of filmmaking, working with cameras, taking small roles, and eventually writing stories and songs.
The film ‘Devdas,’ released in 1936, marked a significant turning point in his career. He wrote dialogues and songs for the film, which became a massive hit, earning him recognition in the industry. Following this success, he ventured into directing, creating memorable films like ‘Chitralekha,’ ‘Neel Kamal,’ ‘Baware Nain,’ and ‘Jogan.’
One of Sharma’s greatest talents was his ability to identify hidden talent in new artists. He gave Raj Kapoor his big break when Kapoor was working as a clapper boy in his unit. At that time, few could have predicted that Kapoor would become a legend in Hindi cinema. Sharma cast him as the hero in ‘Neel Kamal,’ also providing a significant opportunity to a young Madhubala, who was just 13 years old.
Sharma also supported many artists, including Geeta Bali, Bharat Bhushan, and composer Roshan. If he appreciated someone’s work, he would reward them with a ‘duanni’ or ‘chavanni.’ This practice led to a widespread belief in the industry that Sharma’s chavanni was exceptionally lucky. Many artists kept it close, viewing it as a symbol of their promising future.
Beyond films, Sharma made significant contributions to children’s cinema, producing several films for the Indian Children’s Film Society. His film ‘Jaldeep’ received accolades both nationally and internationally. He was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to Indian cinema, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and the Raj Kapoor Award from the Maharashtra government.
Kedar Sharma passed away on April 29, 1999. He left this world just a day before he was to receive the Raj Kapoor Award, a poignant end to a remarkable life.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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