indian cinema heritage foundation

Mohan Kumar

Director
  • Born: 1 June 1934 (Sialkot,  British India)
  • Died: 10 November, 2017 (Mumbai)
  • Primary Cinema: Hindi
  • Children: Rohit Kumar , Gautam Kumar
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Director, producer and screenwriter Mohan Kumar is known for directing films such as Aas Ka Panchhi (1961), Anpadh (1962), Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964), Aman (1967), Anjaana (1969), Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee (1971), Mome Ki Gudiya (1972),  Amir Garib (1974), Aap Beati (1976), Avtaar (1983), All Rounder (1984), Amrit (1986), and Amba (1990). He also produced and wrote the screenplay of most of the films that he directed. 

He was born on 1 June 1934 in Sialkot,  British India. He settled down in Bombay post-Partition. Entering the film industry, he made his directorial debut in 1961 with Aas Ki Panchi, which he had also written. Produced by J Om Prakash, the film starred Rajendra Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Leela Chitnis, with music by Shankar Jaikishan. It became a box office hit. 

In the year 1964, Kumar also debuted as a producer with the family drama Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964), which he also directed. The film starred Dharmendra, Shashikala, Supriya Choudhury, Om Prakash and Manorama. The film's music by Madan Mohan included songs such as Main nigahen tere chehre se hataaoon kaise by Mohammed Rafi and Agar mujhse mohabbat hai by Lata Mangeshkar. His production Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee starred Rajendra Kumar, Sadhana Shivdasani, Rajendranath and Prem Chopra. While the plot of the film was unconventional, the music by Laxmikant Pyarelal was a hit. 

Mohan Kumar’s Mome Ki Gudiya, starring Ratan Chopra, Tanuja, and Premnath, told the tale of Ravi, the only son of wealthy widower Rai Bahadur Gangaram, who falls in love with fellow-collegian, Sheel. 

Aatish was produced by Mohan Kumar under the EMKAY Enterprises banner and directed by Ambrish Sangal. It starred Jeetendra and Neetu Singh in pivotal roles, and was later remade in Telugu as Devudichina Koduku (1980).

Kumar’s Aap Beati starred Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Ashok Kumar, and others in a tale of woes.

Among Mohan Kumar’s last productions were Amba (1990) and Aazmayish (1995). Aazmayish starred Dharmendra, Anjali Jathar and introduced Kumar's son Rohit Kumar in his acting debut. It was a story of a father and son, directed by actor Sachin. Amba starred Anil Kapoor, Meenakshi Seshadri, Kiran Juneja, and Shabana Azmi in the title role as Amba. While the film did not succeed at the box office, the performances of the lead cast were appreciated. 

Mohan Kumar passed away on 10 November, 2017. 

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Image courtesy:  https://www.cinestaan.com/people/mohan-kumar-3299

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