Shakthi Samanta, the veteran film maker, is known for some classic hits like Aradhanaa, Amar Prem etc., passed away at his residence in Mumbai on Thursday evening after two month’s of illness. He was 83 and survived by his wife, two sons and grand children.
Barsaat Ki Ek Raat,Kati Patang, Amanush, Hawrah Bridge,China Town, Kashmir Ki Gali are some of his best works remained evergreen in the minds of the people of India.
Initially Samanta wanted to become an actor in Bollywood, So, he moved to Mumbai. But, to make a living he had to resort to a profession as a teacher and wait for a right time to strike. Ultimately in 1948, he got a chance to begin shaping his dream as a assistant director. He worked with the likes of Gyan Mukherjee, Satish Nigam and Phani Mazumdar.
In 1964, he ultimately became a full time director with his flick Bahu and just didn’t stop there. His passion for the movies forced him to become a producer in 1957 with Hawrah Bridge. There was no stopping from there on. He marched briskly to deliver hits after hits and became instrumental in introducing the greats like Sharmila Tagore and bringing out the best out of Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh etc.,
Bollywood Frames conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaving family of this veteran.