P. K. Raja Sandow
Acting
Biography
Raja Sandow (born P. K. Nagalingam) was an Indian film actor, film director and producer. He began his career as an actor in silent films and later became a prominent actor and director in Tamil and Hindi films of the 1930s. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of early Indian cinema. Raja Sandow was born in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu. He was trained as a gymnast and started his film career as a stunt actor in S.N. Patankar's National Film Company at Bombay. He was given the name "Raja Sandow" because of his physique (after strongman Eugen Sandow). His first lead role was in Patankar's Bhaktha Bhodhana (1922), for which he was paid Rs. 101 as salary. He became famous by starring in silient films like Veer Bhemsen (1923), The Telephone Girl (1926). After acting in a few silent films he also worked as a director in Ranjit Studios for a monthly salary. His first film as director was Sneh Jyoti (1928). Returning to Tamil Nadu, he directed and acted in a number of silent films for R. Padmanaban's Associate Film Company. Many of his silent films had reformist social themes like Peyum pennum (1930), Nandhanar (1930), Anadhai Penn (1931), Pride of Hindustan (1931) and sathi usha sundari (1931).[13] After talking films were introduced with Alam Ara in 1931, he went back to Bombay and starred in many Hindi and Tamil talkies. He was often paired with the actresses Gohar and Sulochana (Ruby Myers). Between 1932–35, he acted in many socially themed Hindi films like Shyam sundar (1932), Devaki (1934) and Indira MA (1935). In 1935, he was commissioned to direct his first Tamil film Menaka and returned to Madras. He continued directing and acting in films till his death in 1943. Vasantha Sena(1936), Chalak Chor (1936), Chandra kantha (1936), Vishnuleela (1938), Thiruneelakantar (1939) and Choodamani (1941) were some of the films he directed and starred in during that period. The last film he worked in was Sivakavi (1943). Sandow suffered a heart attack and died at Coimbatore on 25 November 1943
Known For
The film follows the adventures of Aladdin and his finding a magical lamp which helps him in attaining the love of Princess Badar.
Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
Indian silent film starring Ruby Mayer (Sulochana), released in 1926.
Typist Girl
The story revolves around a doctor living in the jungle with his daughter, surrounded by wild tribal people who are ruled by the jungle queen, Sheena.
Jungle Ka Jawahar
A melodrama suggesting that atheism is not a desirable option. Heroine Kusum (Gohar), the daughter of atheist millionaire Gumanchand (Bawa), is forced on to the streets when her father is jailed for fraud. She eventually meets the rich Rasiklal (E. Bilimoria), joins the stage and encounters her father once more when he tries to save her from a fire. The atheist father invokes the Almighty to save his daughter, but although she is saved she loses her eyesight. Other characters include the God-fearing but crooked tutor Indulal (Sandow) who later turns into a nice man after all, and Padma (Khatun), who exploits Rasiklal’s alcoholism to the benefit of her lover, Pyarelal.
Prabhu Ka Pyara
Thiruneelakantar is a 1939 Tamil-language film directed by Raja Sandow and starring M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. The film was a big hit and was known for M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar's acting apart from his songs. Famous nadaswaram artist T. N. Rajarathinam Pillai makes a guest appearanace in the movie.The film was based on the life history of Thiruneelakanta Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
Thiruneelakantar
Lily and Vasant's suicide pact is thwarted, leading to Lily's forced marriage. She cares for an invalid Vasant, causing her husband to disown her and ban her from their daughter, Indu. Years later, their paths collide. Lily, now a servant, meets Vasant again, who is painting her lawyer daughter, Indu. Their renewed death pact leads to Vasant's death and Lily's arrest. In a dramatic trial, Indu defends Lily, facing her boyfriend (the prosecutor) and her father (the judge).
Barrister's Wife
Children's mythological drawn from the Vishnu Purana telling of the child Krishna (Modak). The film intercuts Krishna's rural escapades with Pendya and other childhood friends with palace intrigues in Mathura, where Kans receives a divine warning that the boy Krishna shall be the cause of his death.
Shyam Sundar
An adventorous drama centered on a bold, rebellious, and unconventional female protagonist
Naughty Girl
A girl with an MA from Oxford rejects an 'idiot' chosen by her alcoholic father, and falls for the playboy.
Indira M.A.
A story of a loving couple who get separated because of the evil designs of some envious persons.
Menaka
No description available.
Araichimani
Presented as a comment on the lifestyle of Bombay's rich, the film tells of the wealthy Mr. Nanavati (Sandow) who is attracted to a dancer, Roshanara (Yakbal) who in turn is represented by a Dalal Chhotalal (Noor Mohammed). Chhotalal plans to rob Nanavati and seizes his chance when the rich man buys a gold necklace as a present for his daughter's birthday. Chhotalal tempts Nanavati to visit Roshanara, who then seduces him and obtains the necklace. When Nanavati realizes that he has been duped, he accuses Chhotalal, who has by then switched the necklace for a fake. Roshanara, was based upon a real cabaret dancer of that name.
The Slaves of Luxury
This love story claims to uphold the tradition of domesticated female virtue. The story tells of virtuous Sushila and her husband Pratap, who leads a peaceful life until her former suitor Jaswant arrives on a social call. His appearance prompts Pratap to suspect his wife's marital fidelity and he drives the visitor away.
Sushila the Virtous
A jaded socialite, Vinakumari, and her lover, Dr. Rasik, discover purpose at a Gandhian ashram. Vinakumari dedicates herself to the poor as the ashram battles challenges from urban temptation to famine and greedy landlords. Dr. Rasik eventually joins the cause, bringing much-needed medical aid to the struggling community.
Desh Dasi
A silent fantasy film centered on the court of the god Indra. Based on Agha Hasan Lakhnavi's play Indrasabha
Indrasabha
Dharamdas, A fake philanthropist, sets up an ashram for poor women as a front for his dealing in black market grain. Inspectors Dayal and Comet (John Cawas) along with Sergeant Sunder (Shyam Sunder) vow to bring him to book. Dayal’s daughter Shanti (Fearless Nadia) and Sunder’s fiancé Mohini (Sona Chaterjee), join hands with the police to nab the crook, however Dharmads has Inspector Dayal murdered and vows to silence anyone else who gets near the truth of his criminal activity.
Comet
An early silent drama centered on a notorious "black thief"
The Black Thief
A silent social drama exploring themes of treason and retribution. The film would have told a moralistic tale about a character who acts as an "enemy of the nation" and faces divine or karmic punishment for their actions.
The Divine Punishment
Director Raja Sandow P.K. Stars R. Nagendra RaoK.T. RukminiLeela