Kuljeet Pal (1933–2023) was an Indian director, writer and producer who worked in Hindi cinema. He was best known for his work as a producer on films such as ‘Arth’ (1982) and ‘Aaj’ (1987). Kuljeet is credited as the person who first introduced the famous Indian actress Rekha to Hindi cinema. Kuljeet Pal died due to cardiac arrest in June 2023.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Kuljit Pal was born in 1933 (age 90 years; as of 2023) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Family
parents and siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
wife and children
Kuljeet Pal was married to producer Rita Pal. Their daughter’s name is Anamika Pal (also known as Anu Pal); She is an actress. Anamika was once engaged to actor Akshay Kumar.
Kuljeet Pal’s daughter Anamika Pal
livelihood
film
the creator
Kuljeet Pal debuted as a producer in Hindi cinema in 1968 with the film ‘Vasna’. This film starred Raj Kumar, Padmini, Vishwajit Chatterjee and others.
A poster of the film ‘Vasna’ (1968)
In 1979 he produced the film ‘Do Shikari’ starring Rekha and Vinod Khanna. Pal later produced other films including ‘Arth’ (1982), ‘Aashiyana’ (1986), and ‘Aaj’ (1987).
Author
Kuljeet worked as a story writer for the film ‘Parmatma’ (1978).
A poster of the film ‘Parmatma’ (1978)
director
Pal entered the field of direction in 1979 with the film ‘Do Shikari’.
A poster of the film ‘Do Shikari’ (1979)
Death
Kuljeet Pal died on 24 June 2023 in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest after a prolonged illness. According to sources, he was in bed for a long time.
Facts/General Knowledge
- Kuljeet was said to be instrumental in recognizing the potential of Indian actress Rekha and providing her her first opportunity in the Hindi film industry; However, the film project was ultimately shelved. In an interview, Kuljeet talked about the day he met Rekha for the first time. He mentioned that he had traveled to Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu to meet Vanisri, an Indian actor, with the intention of casting him in the film ‘Do Shikari’. However, his eyes fell on a young girl named Rekha in Vanisri’s room. Impressed by her, Kuljeet decides to do some communication tests with Rekha at her residence. Despite her limited proficiency in the language, Rekha performed well. After this, Kuljeet brought Rekha to Mumbai and signed her in the film industry for five years. He acted in other films like ‘Do Shikari’ (1979).
- In 2013, there was a dispute between Kuljeet Pal and Mahesh Bhatt regarding the remake rights of the film ‘Arth’ (1982). In an interview, Kuljeet claimed that Mahesh had given unauthorized consent to a Pakistani producer, Shaan, to remake his classic film. Talking about this, Kuljeet said in an interview,
It appears that Mahesh Bhatt has committed a crime by misleading Pakistani producers by handing over the rights to ‘Arth’, which legally belongs entirely to us. You all are advised not to deal with Mr. Mahesh Bhatt for money.
Mahesh Bhatt, on the other hand, had a different approach. In an interview, he claimed that Pakistani superstar Shaan had approached him and sought his nod for the Urdu language remake of Arth. He further explained that he had given his no objection believing that it would boost India-Pakistan relations.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn