V. Shantaram

V. Shantaram () (18 November 1901 - 30 October 1990) is a renowned Indian filmmaker, film producer and actor. He is most known for his films like Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Amar Bhoopali (1951), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), Navrang (1959), Duniya Na Mane (1937), Pinjra (1972), Chani, Iye Marathiche Nagari and Zunj.

He directed his first film, "Netaji Palkar" in 1927. In 1929, he founded the Prabhat Film Company along with V.G. Damle, K.R. Dhaiber, S. Fatelal and S.B. Kulkarni, which made Ayodhyecha Raja, the first Marathi language film in 1932 under his direction. The Hindu, 2 May 2002. He left Prabhat in 1942 to form "Rajkamal Kala Mandir" in Mumbai. Prabhat Film Company The Hindu, 30 November 2001.

He was praised by Charlie Chaplin for his Marathi film Manoos. Chaplin reportedly liked the film very much.

Early life

Shantaram was born Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre on 18 November 1901 in the erstwhile princely state of Kolhapur (in present day Maharashtra) into a reputed Jain family.Dwyer, Rachel. (2005). 100 Bollywood films. BFI screen guides. London:British Film Institute. ISBN 1844570983 p.82 During his lifetime he was honoured with Jain Samaj...
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