Mehboob Khan

Biography

Mehboob Khan was a pioneering Indian film director and producer, best remembered for his epic film Mother India (1957), which won multiple Filmfare and National Awards and became India's first submission to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Born in Bilimora, Gujarat, Khan began his journey in Bombay's film industry working in stables and eventually entered the film studios, starting as an extra and assistant during the silent era. He made his directorial debut with Al Hilal (1935) under Sagar Movietone and went on to direct significant films such as Aurat (1940), Andaz (1949), Aan (1951), Amar (1954), and Son of India (1962). In 1945, he founded his own banner, Mehboob Productions, and later established the iconic Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai in 1954. He was known for his visually grand narratives, social realism, and emotionally powerful storytelling. His work frequently tackled themes such as poverty, rural hardship, and class divide, often blending these with strong moral undertones and cinematic flair influenced by Hollywood epics. Mehboob Khan is also credited with creating the dacoit film genre and mentoring future stars including Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Sunil Dutt, Nargis, Nadira, and Rajendra Kumar. In 1961, he served on the jury of the 2nd Moscow International Film Festival and was later honored by the Indian government with the title Hidayat Kar-e-Azam. He married noted actress Sardar Akhtar in 1942. He was the President of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association ( IMPPA) From 1962 to 1963. He served as the president of the Film Federation of India from 1963 to 1964. His cinematic legacy endures through Mehboob Studios and the continuing influence of Mother India, which remains one of the most revered films in Indian cinema history.