Master Vinayak was a superstar actor and film director in the Hindi and Marathi cinema of the 1930s and 1940s. Some of his most famous films include Ayodhyecha Raja (1932), Bhikharan (1935), Brahmachari (1938), Lapandav (1940), Sangam (1941), Mazhe Bal (1943), Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), and many more.
Early Life
Vinayak Damodar Karnataki, popularly known as Master Vinayak, was born on January 19, 1906, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. His father, Damodar Karnataki, was a lawyer, and his mother was a homemaker. He had a brother Vasudev Karnataki, who was a cinematographer. His family ties extended to renowned personalities, including his half-brothers Baburao Pendharkar and Bhalji Pendharkar. He was the maternal cousin of legendary film director V. Shantaram. Master Vinayak was also a great friend and well-wisher of the Mangeshkar family.
Entry Into Films
Master Vinayak started his career with Prabhat’s Maya Machindra (1932), directed by Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre. The film also starred Govindrao Tembe, Durga Khote, and Baburao Pendharkar. After the film’s success, he starred in V Shantaram’s Ayodhyecha Raja (1932), Sinhagad (1933), Sairandhri (1933), Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Bhikharan (1935), Sangam (1941), & Mazhe Bal (1943).
In 1935, he debuted as a director with the film Vilasi Ishwar (1935), which stars himself with Shobhna Samarth, Indira Wadkar, and Baburao Pendharkar. The same year he directed Nigah-e-Nafrat (1935), with the same cast. In 1936, he co-founded Huns Picture, contributing significantly to the burgeoning film landscape. His notable work includes the 1938 Marathi film “Brahmachari,” remembered for its daring portrayal of the leading lady, Meenakshi Shirodkar, in a bathing suit—a bold move for its time. Meenakshi Shirodkar was the grandmother of Shilpa and Namrta Shirodkar.
Master Vinayak – The Film Maker
He goes on to direct several movies, including Chhaya (1936), Dharmaveer (1937), Jwala (1938), Brahmachari (1938), Devata (1939), Brandy Ki Botal (1939), Brandichi Batli (1939), Lagna Pahave Karun (1940), Ghar Ki Rani (1940), Ardhangi (1940), Amrit (1941), Sarkari Pahune (1942), Mazhe Bal (1943), Badi Maa (1945), Subhadra (1946), Jeevan Yatra (1946), and Mandir (1948).
Personal Life
Master Vinayak married Sushila, and the couple had seven children, including the late actress Nanda and film producer and director Jayaprakash Karnataki, who is married to actress Jayshree T.
In addition to his cinematic contributions, Master Vinayak played a pivotal role in shaping the industry by introducing Lata Mangeshkar to films in his production “Pahilee Mangalagaur.” His legacy lives on through his pioneering work, leaving an enduring impact on Indian cinema.
Master Vinayak passed away in Mumbai on 19 August 1947. His untimely death caused his family lots of difficulties, which led his young daughter Nanda to become a child actor.
Master Vinayak on IMDB
