Vinayak Damodar Karnataki, popularly known as Master Vinayak, was an actor and film director in the Hindi and Marathi cinema of the 1930s and 1940s. Born on January 19, 1906, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, he was not only a cinematic talent but also had deep connections within the film industry. He and his wife Sushila had two children, the late actress Nanda and film producer and director, Jayaprakash Karnataki.
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Willum Skeener
His family ties extended to renowned personalities, including his brother Vasudev Karnataki, a cinematographer, and his half-brother Baburao Pendharkar (1896–1967), a celebrated actor. 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.
Master Vinayak’s cinematic influence reached beyond family connections, He started his career from successful films like
- Maya Machindra (1932) and
- V Shantaram’s Ayodhyecha Raja (1932), Sinhagad (1933), Sairandhri (1933), Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Bhikharan (1935), Sangam (1941), & Mazhe Bal (1943)
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. He goes on to direct several movies including Vilasi Ishwar (1935), Nigah-e-Nafrat (1935), Brandy Ki Botal (1939), Ghar Ki Rani (1940), Badi Maa (1945), Subhadra (1946) and Mandir (1948).
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.
