V. Shantaram

Who was V. Shantaram?

Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre referred to as V. Shantaram was an Indian filmmaker, film producer and actor. He is most known for his films like Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Amar Bhoopali, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Navrang, Duniya Na Mane, Pinjra, Chani, Iye Marathiche Nagari and Zunj.

He directed his first film, "Netaji Palkar" in 1927. In 1929, he founded the Prabhat Film Company along with Vishnupant Damle, K.R. Dhaiber, S. Fatelal and S.B. Kulkarni, which made Ayodhyecha Raja, the first Marathi language film in 1932 under his direction. He left Prabhat in 1942 to form "Rajkamal Kala Mandir" in Mumbai. In time, 'Rajkamal' became one of most sophisticated studios of the country.

He was praised by Chaplin for his Marathi film Manoose. Chaplin reportedly liked the film very much.