| Chetan Anand Biography | |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | • Actor • Filmmaker |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters– 168 cm in meters– 1.68 m in feet & inches– 5’ 6” |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Grey |
| Career | |
| Debut | As a director • Film: Neecha Nagar (1946)  • Television series: Param Vir Chakra (1988) As a screenwriter • Film: Afsar (1950) As an actor • Film: Humsafar (1953) As a producer • Film: Saheb Bahadur (1977)  |
| Last Film | As a Director & Producer Film: Haathon Ki Lakeeren (1986) TV Series: Param Vir Chakra (1988) As an Actor Film: Kinare Kinare (1963) as ‘Puran’  |
| Awards, Honours, Achievements | 1946: Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival for the film ‘Neecha Nagar’ (1946) 1965: National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film for ‘Haqeeqat’ (1964) 1982: Filmfare Best Story Award for the film ‘Kudrat’ (1981) |
Personal LifeDate of Birth3 January 1921 (Monday)BirthplaceGurdaspur, Punjab, British India (now India)
Note: Some sources claim that he was born in Lahore, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan).
Date of Death6 July 1997Place of DeathMumbaiAge (at the time of death) 76 YearsDeath CauseNot knownZodiac signAquariusNationality• British Indian (1921-1947)
• Indian (1947-1997)College/University• Gurukula Kangri in Haridwar, Uttarakhand
• Attended a government college in LahoreEducational Qualification(s) [1]Rediff• Studied Hindu scriptures at Gurukula Kangri
• Graduated from a government college in LahoreRelationships & MoreMarital Status (at the time of death)MarriedAffairs/GirlfriendsPriya Rajvansh (actor)Marriage DateYear, 1943
FamilyWife/SpouseUma Anand (actor, journalist, and broadcaster) 
Note: Chetan Anand and Uma Anand got separated after a few years of marriage; however, they remained legally married as mutual divorce was not permitted by the law at that time. ChildrenSon– 2
• Ketan Anand (filmmaker)
• Vivek Anand
Daughter– NoneParentsHis father, Pishori Lal Anand, was an advocate. Chetan Anand lost his mother at a young age.SiblingsBrother– 3
• Manmohan Anand
• Vijay Anand (filmmaker)
• Dev Anand (actor, director, and producer)
Sister– 3
• Sheel Kanta Kapur (Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur’s mother)
• Usha Madhok
• Bonnie SareenOther relatives Shekhar Kapur (filmmaker)
Some Lesser Known Facts About Chetan Anand
- Chetan Anand Biography He was a prominent Indian director, producer, actor, and screenplay writer who worked in Hindi Cinema. He was awarded the Palme d’Or award (then known as ‘Grand Prix’) at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946 for his directorial debut film, ‘Neecha Nagar’ (1946). This was the first Indian film that gained recognition at the international level. Chetan Anand Biography was popularly known as the elder brother of Dev Anand and Vijay Anand. He died in 1997 in Mumbai.
- He belonged to an upper-middle-class Punjabi Hindu family in Gurdaspur, Punjab. [2]Tabassum Talkies – YouTube
Chetan Anand in his youth
- Chetan joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1930.
- He worked for BBC in 1930.
- In the early 40s, Chetan started teaching History at Doon School in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. While teaching there, he wrote a film script based on the life of emperor Ashoka and showed it to Phani Majumdar, an Indian film director, in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- In 1944, Phani Majumdar cast Chetan as a protagonist in the film ‘Rajkumar,’ but the movie did not released due to some problems.
- According to some sources, Chetan Anand Biography He wanted to serve in the Indian Civil Service for which he appeared in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in London.
- He was associated with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (ITPA), Bombay (now Mumbai).
- In 1949, Chetan Anand founded ‘Navketan Films,’ a production house, along with his younger brother Dev Anand. In 1954, he directed ‘Taxi Driver,’ which was the first film to be directed under the banner. The film starred Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik and was based on a script written by Vijay Anand and Uma Anand. The film ‘Taxi Driver’ became Chetan Anand’s first box-office success and Navketan’s biggest-grosser film to date.
A poster of the film ‘Taxi Driver (1954)
- Chetan Anand Biography He established his own production company, ‘Himalaya Films,’ in 1960 following which he collaborated with renowned professionals named cinematographer Jal Mistry, music director Madan Mohan, lyricist Kaifi Azmi, and actor Priya Rajvansh. Under the banner of Himalaya Films, Anand produced his first film ‘Saheb Bahadur’ in 1977.
- Chetan was the one who introduced Rajesh Khanna to Hindi cinema. He first saw Rajesh Khanna at an acting competition after which he cast him in the film ‘Aakhri Khat’ (1966) as Govind; however, the first ‘released’ film starring Rajesh Khanna was G. P. Sippy’s ‘Raaz’ (1967).
- Chetan Anand Biography, who had separated from his wife Uma Anand, fell in love with actress Priya Rajvansh, who made her debut in Hindi Cinema as the lead actor in Chetan Anand’s film ‘Haqeeqat’ (1964). Uma Anand is said to have introduced Priya to Chetan after seeing her perform at a function in Chandigarh; however, Priya did not meet Chetan and moved to London to pursue an acting course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). After completing the course, Priya sent her portfolio to Chetan Anand, who was looking for someone to play the role of ‘Heer’ in his film ‘Heer Raanjha’ (1970). Chetan was impressed and sent a telegram asking Priya to meet him in Bombay (now Mumbai). Priya traveled to Bombay and met Chetan, who was 16 years her senior. They began working on the film ‘Haqeeqat’ which caused a delay in the production of ‘Heer Raanjha.’ It was during the making of ‘Haqeeqat’ in 1960 that Chetan and Priya fell in love with each other.
Chetan Anand with Priya Rajvansh
- Reportedly, in his last will, Chetan Anand bequeathed a significant portion of his wealth, including his luxurious beachfront bungalow in Juhu, Mumbai, to Priya Rajvansh; however, the will did not grant Priya the power to sell the bungalow, which would instead go to Chetan’s sons after her death. Chetan Anand made this decision with the intention of allowing Priya to live out her life in the house where they had made cherished memories together, while also ensuring that his sons would inherit their father’s property. According to some sources, the relationship between Priya and Chetan’s sons turned sour after Chetan fell ill. On 27 March 2000, Priya Rajvansh was found murdered at Chetan Anand’s Ruia Park bungalow in Juhu, Mumbai. The police charged Chetan Anand’s sons, Ketan Anand and Vivek Anand, along with two housemaids, with her murder.
- A book titled ‘Chetan Anand: The Poetics of Film’ was written by Chetan Anand’s wife, Uma Anand, and son Ketan Anand in 2007. The book consisted of the journey of Chetan Anand’s journey in the Hindi cinema. In 2008, Ketan Anand made a documentary on the same.
- Chetan Anand’s films were showcased at the Stuttgart Film Festival and the India International Centre in New Delhi in 2007.
- In 2013, a commemorative postage stamp featuring Chetan Anand was released by India Post.
Short Chetan Anand Biography
In the annals of Indian cinema, the name Chetan Anand stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and storytelling prowess. This article delves into the life and career of the legendary film producer and screenwriter, Chetan Anand, shedding light on his extraordinary contributions to the world of Indian cinema.
Early Life and Artistic Inclinations
Born on January 3, 1921, in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan), Chetan Anand was destined for a life steeped in art and creativity. His early years were marked by a deep appreciation for literature, theater, and the arts. This formative period would lay the foundation for his future in the world of storytelling.
The Birth of Navketan Films
Pioneering Filmmaking
In 1949, Chetan Anand, along with his younger brother Dev Anand, founded Navketan Films, a production company that would go on to redefine Indian cinema. This bold endeavor marked the beginning of Chetan Anand’s remarkable journey in the film industry.
Revolutionary Storytelling
Trailblazing Cinema
Chetan Anand’s storytelling was characterized by innovation and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema. He was known for tackling diverse themes and subjects, from social issues to war dramas, with a rare finesse that resonated with audiences.
Iconic Collaborations
Cinematic Magic
Chetan Anand collaborated with some of the most brilliant talents in Indian cinema. His association with renowned actors like Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, and Nutan resulted in cinematic masterpieces that are celebrated to this day. Films like “Guide” and “Kala Bazar” bear testimony to his directorial brilliance.
Beyond Bollywood
Social Impact
Chetan Anand’s films were not just about entertainment; they carried profound social messages. His commitment to highlighting societal issues and advocating for change through his craft earned him respect and admiration.
Literary Pursuits
A Man of Letters
Chetan Anand’s love for literature extended beyond the confines of cinema. He was a published author and a prolific writer, with several acclaimed novels and essays to his name. His literary contributions added depth and intellectualism to his cinematic work.
A Legacy That Endures
Chetan Anand’s Lasting Influence
Chetan Anand’s impact on Indian cinema transcends generations. His films continue to inspire filmmakers, and his storytelling techniques remain relevant in the contemporary cinematic landscape. His pioneering spirit and dedication to the art of filmmaking ensure that his legacy endures.
In conclusion, Chetan Anand was not merely a film producer and screenwriter; he was a visionary artist who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His films are a testament to his artistic brilliance, and his contributions to storytelling continue to captivate audiences, making him a true luminary in the world of film.
Chetan Anand Biography He was a respected Indian film producer and screenwriter. He was born on January 3, 1921, in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan). Chetan Anand was a pioneer in the Indian film industry and made significant contributions to Indian cinema.
Chetan Anand is celebrated for his impactful films and screenplays. Some of his notable works include “Neecha Nagar,” which won the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film (Best Film) at the Cannes Film Festival, “Haqeeqat,” “Aandhiyan,” and “Heer Ranjha.” His films often tackled social and emotional themes.
Chetan Anand’s filmmaking style was characterized by his commitment to storytelling and his ability to address complex social issues. He was known for his realistic and humanistic approach to filmmaking, which set him apart as a pioneering director in Indian cinema.
Yes, Chetan Anand received several awards and honors for his outstanding contributions. “Neecha Nagar” winning the Grand Prix at Cannes was a significant international recognition. He also received National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for his work in Indian cinema.
Chetan Anand’s legacy in the Indian film industry is marked by his pioneering spirit and the socially relevant themes he explored in his films. He left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and continues to be remembered as a visionary filmmaker.
Chetan Anand had significant collaborations with his brother, the legendary actor Dev Anand, and fellow filmmakers like Guru Dutt. These collaborations resulted in the creation of iconic films that are celebrated in Indian cinema history.
Chetan Anand’s contributions to Indian cinema include his pioneering work in realistic and socially relevant filmmaking. He brought important issues to the forefront through his films and is remembered for his ability to engage and inspire audiences with his storytelling.
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were no specific upcoming projects or events related to Chetan Anand’s work or legacy. However, his films continue to be celebrated through screenings and retrospectives in film festivals and cultural events. Fans of Indian cinema can stay updated with any new developments related to his work and legacy through official sources and film-related announcements.
