Mehboob Khan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mehboob Khan ll
Khan on a 2007 stamp of India
Born	Mehboob Khan Ramzan Khan (1907-09-09)9 September 1907 Bilimora, Baroda State, British India
Died	28 May 1964(1964-05-28) (aged 56) Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Resting place	Badakabarastan, Marine Lines, Mumbai
Occupation	Film director, producer
Years active	1931–1962
Spouse(s)	Fatima (separated) Sardar Akhtar
Children	4; One adopted
Honors	Padma Shri (1963)

Mehboob Khan (born Mehboob Khan Ramzan Khan; 9 September 1907 – 28 May 1964) was a very important film director and producer in Indian cinema. He is best known for directing the famous movie Mother India (1957). This film won many awards, including the Filmfare Awards for Best Film and Best Director. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, which is a huge honor!

Mehboob Khan started his own film company, Mehboob Productions. Later, in 1954, he built his own film studio called Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai. He also created a special type of film called the "dacoit film" (about bandits) with his movies Aurat (1940) and Mother India. Some of his other popular movies include the romantic drama Andaz (1949), the musical adventure Aan (1951), and the drama Amar (1954).

Early Life and Start in Films

Mehboob Khan was born as Mehboob Khan Ramzan Khan on September 9, 1907. His birthplace was Bilimora in Baroda State, which is now part of Gujarat, India.

He came to Bombay (now Mumbai) from Gujarat with a man named Noor Muhammad Ali Muhammed Shipra Baddhiyawala. Mehboob first worked repairing horseshoes in a stable. One day, he showed great interest in filmmaking while watching a director named Chandrashekhar. Chandrashekhar saw his passion and talent. He asked Noor Muhammad to let Mehboob work in film studios.

Mehboob Khan began his film career doing small jobs. He started as an assistant director during the time of silent films. He also worked as an extra (a background actor) at the Imperial Film Company. His first film as a director was Al Hilal, also known as Judgement of Allah, in 1935. He directed this film for the Sagar Film Company.

Directing and Producing Success

Mehboob Khan directed many notable films for Sagar Movietone and National Studios. Some of these early films include Deccan Queen (1936), Ek Hi Raasta (1939), Alibaba (1940), Aurat (1940), and Bahen (1941).

In 1945, Mehboob Khan started his own film production company, Mehboob Productions. A year later, in 1946, he directed the very successful musical film Anmol Ghadi. This movie starred famous singers and actors like Surendra, Noor Jehan, and Suraiya.

He continued to produce and direct many popular films. His most famous works include the romantic drama Andaz (1949) and the adventurous musical Aan (1951). He also directed the drama Amar (1954).

His most iconic film was the social epic Mother India (1957). This movie was a remake of his earlier 1940 film Aurat. Mother India was even nominated for an Academy Award in 1957, which is a big international award.

Mehboob Khan's earlier films were in Urdu language. However, his later movies, like Mother India, were made in Hindustani. This language is a mix of Hindi and Urdu and was easier for more people to understand. A writer named Aghajani Kashmeri wrote several of his films. Kashmeri also helped train the famous actress Nargis in speaking Hindustani and Urdu for her roles.

Mehboob Khan's last film as a director was Son of India in 1962.

The courtyard of Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai. Mehboob Khan built this studio in 1954.

Impact on the Film Industry

Mehboob Khan played a big role in helping many actors and actresses become stars. He introduced and supported the careers of famous names like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Sunil Dutt, Nargis, and many others. These actors became very popular in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

In 1961, he was part of the judging panel at the 2nd Moscow International Film Festival. He also served as the president of the Film Federation of India, an important organization for Indian cinema.

Mehboob Khan was inspired by Hollywood films. His movies often had grand sets, similar to the big productions in Hollywood at that time. He often explored themes like the struggles of poor people, differences between social classes, and life in rural areas in his films.

The Indian government honored Mehboob Khan with the title Hidayat Kar-e-Azam, which means "Great Director."

Personal Life

Mehboob Khan was married twice. With his first wife, Fatima, he had three sons: Ayub, Iqbal, and Shaukat. After separating from Fatima, he married the famous Indian film actress Sardar Akhtar in 1942. He also adopted a son named Sajid Khan, who later acted in Indian and foreign films.

Death and Legacy

Mehboob Khan passed away from a heart attack on May 28, 1964. He was 56 years old. He was buried at Badakabarastan in Marine Lines, Mumbai. His death happened just one day after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the Prime Minister of India.

To celebrate 100 years since his birth, the Indian postal department released a special stamp in his honor in September 2007. The stamp showed Mehboob Khan and a scene from his famous film Mother India.

Filmography

As a Director

As a Producer

• Mother India (1957)
• Amar (1954)
• Aan (1952)
• Anokhi Ada (1948)
• Elaan (1947)
• Anmol Ghadi (1946)

As an Actor

• Chandrahasa (1933)
• Zarina (1932)

Awards and Honours

Academy Awards

• 1958 – Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film for Mother India

National Film Awards

• 1958 – Won the All India Certificate of Merit for Best Feature Film for Mother India
• 1958 – Won the Certificate of Merit for Second Best Feature Film in Hindi for Mother India

Filmfare Awards

• 1958 – Won Best Film for Mother India
• 1958 – Won Best Director for Mother India

Honours

• 1963: Awarded Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his contributions to art.
• March 30, 2007: India Post released a special stamp showing Mehboob Khan and a scene from 'Mother India'.

See also

In Spanish: Mehboob Khan (director de cine) para niños