1962–1992
Producing the first black-and-white Bhojpuri film, Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo, in 1962
Bishwanath Prasad Shahabadi, (also spelled as Vishwanath Prasad Shahabadi), also known as B.P. Shahabadi, was an Indian film producer and businessperson known for producing Bhojpuri and Hindi films. He is known as the father of Bhojpuri cinema.[1][2] He is known for producing the first black-and-white Bhojpuri film, Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo, in 1962.[3][4] His works include Solaho Singar Kare Dulhaniya (Bhojpuri) and Hindi films like Rootha Na Karo, Ganga Dham, Geet Ganga, Sasural and Tulsi and Ghar Jamai. He died on 13 July 2000.[5]
Biography
He was born on 24 January 1912, in Bandhuchhapra village in Arrah, Bihar. Shahabadi owned mica and coal mines, along with a liquor contract business. Shahabadi owned movie theaters in Dhanbad and Giridih. In 1938, he contributed to the freedom cause by purchasing six yards of khadi from Rajendra Prasad in a special auction for Rs 15,000.[6]
In the 1960s, the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad, asked Bishwanath to make a Bhojpuri film. He produced the film Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo in 1963, marking the first Bhojpuri language film, which was well received. The film was produced by Shahabadi under Nirmal Pictures and directed by Kundan Kumar.[7][8]
He wrote the story for the 1980 film Ganga Dham. He worked on Geet Ganga Ke, a flop at box office. In 1983, he produced Hamaar Bhauji, a big hit. It was inspired by a famous South Indian film called "Bhabhi" (1957).[9]
Filmography
| Year | Film |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Ghar Jamai |
| 1989 | Ustaad |
| 1985 | Tulsi |
| 1984 | Sasural |
| 1982 | Geet Ganga |
| 1979 | Ganga Dham |
| 1970 | Rootha Na Karo |
| 1965 | Solaho Singar Kare Dulhaniya |
| 1962 | Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo |
Personal life
He was the youngest among the five children of father Uttamchand Shah. Bishwanath Prasad Shahabadi was married to Swarnmani Devi. He died at the age of 89 on 13 July 2000.[10]
See also
References
- ↑ Bihar General Knowledge 2024{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Prabhat Prakashan(21 July 2023). ISBN 9789354884900
- ↑ Ganga ho!. The Hindu(2010-07-07). Retrieved 2025-02-08.
- ↑ भोजपुरी सिनेमा की गंगा कब तक रहेगी मैली?(28 November 2018).
- ↑ Society and Culture. bhojpur.nic.in. National Informatics Centre.
- ↑ Bihar Samanya Gyan{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Prabhat Prakashan(2021). ISBN 9789386300850
- ↑ CINEMA BHOJPURI(2010).
- ↑ Dr. Rajendra Prasad wanted a Bhojpuri movie. The Times of India(22 April 2013).
- ↑ A month ahead of MCD polls, Delhi to host the first ever Bhojpuri film festival(25 January 2017).
- ↑ CINEMA BHOJPURI{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Penguin Publisher(22 May 2010). ISBN 978-81-8475-256-4
- ↑ Bhojpuri Filmon Ka Safanama: The Journey of Bhojpuri Cinema{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Prabhat Prakashan(2021). ISBN 9789351862031