MUMBAI:
Filmmaker Arjun Hingorani, whose keen eye for talent helped him discover artistes like
Sadhana and Dharmendra, passed away peacefully in Vrindavan Saturday. He was 92.
Hingorani achieved two milestones when he made a picture named 'Abana' in 1958. It was India's first Sindhi film and launched Sadhana's career. Songs like 'Dal chhola dabhal' are still remembered with fondness by the Sindhi community.
Hingorani launched Dharmendra with 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere' (1960).
Two years later, he launched Dharmendra with 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere' (1960) and went on to cast his favourite actor in a series of films whose alliterative titles held three Ks like Kab Kyoon Aur Kahan, Kahani Kismat Ki, Khel Khilari Ka, Katilon Ke Katil, and Kaun Kare Kurbanie. Even Sultanat had a KKK tagline in 'Kaarnaame Kamaal Ke'. Hingorani had a yen for acting as well, and occasionally did a cameo in his pictures.
Dharmendra expressed grief on Twitter saying, "Arjun Hingorani, the man who put his hand around the shoulder of this loner in Mumbai, has left us forever... I am extremely sad! May his soul rest in peace." He posted a picture alongside of the director with his arm around him.
Rishi Kapoor laughingly recalled how the director would say "Rishi Sahab ko bulaiye" versus "Dharmen ko bulao" when they acted together.
Hingorani's son Amit, a former actor who is now a follower of ISKCON and lives in Vrindavan, performed the last rites. Hingorani also leaves behind his wife Kunda and two daughters Karishmaa, and Sucheta Kaushik. Sucheta said, "My father went to live with my brother six months ago. He lived a healthy, active life and died peacefully in his sleep Saturday after having eaten a full meal and his favourite sweet gulab jamun on Friday. He was so blessed, we think."
Sucheta said her father's fondness for KKK was likely inspired by the success of the first such film, and of course by the fact that his wife's name began with that letter also.
A prayer meeting will likely be held in Mumbai, said Atul Mohan, vice president of the Chamber of Film Journalists.
Arjun Hingorani