Biography of Manmohan Desai

(February 26, 1936- June 1992)

Manmohan Desai was born in 1936 in Mumbai. He was the son of film producer Kikubhai Desai and the founder of Paramount Studios, which relied heavily on Hollywood models (esp. Elvis Presley). But for crores of Indian moviegoers, they meant a retreat from the harshness of reality. Hence, the fact that he could practically guarantee high entertainment through his masala films.

Manmohan Desai had always been fascinated by the world of celluloid fantasy and got a chance to direct ‘Chhaliya' at the age of 24. The film starred icons like Raj Kapoor and Nutan. But it was with 'Saccha Jhootha' (1970) starring Rajesh Khanna that Desai gained popularity all over India. In 1977, Desai delivered four hit films - 'Dharam Veer', Parvarish', 'Chacha Bhatija' and Amar Akbar Anthony' the biggest blockbusters of yesteryears. His association with Amitabh Bachchan resulted in many major hits like – ‘Suhaag, Naseeb', 'Coolie' and Mard', amongst others. Manmohan Desai left this mortal world in 1992.