Veteran actor-filmmaker Chandrashekhar, who in his career of over four decades played all kinds of characters, from junior artists and character roles to lead and negative roles, some of his famous films include Surang (1953), Baradari (1955), Basant Bahar (1956), Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959), Cha Cha Cha (1964), and many more.
Early Life and Career
Chandrashekhar Vaidya, known mononymously as Chandrashekhar, was born on July 7, 1922, in Hyderabad. His father arranged his marriage at age 13. He completed his eary education from Hyderabad and took admission in college.
In the early 1940s, Chandrashekhar dropped out of college and moved to Bombay, driven by a passion for the arts and a diploma in western dancing from the UK. Chandrashekhar moved to Bombay in the early 1940s with Rs 40, in hand. He initially lived in Colaba and sleeping on footpaths near Chitra Cinema. He worked as a watchman and at Ram Gopal Mills, pushing trolleys for Rs 12.50 monthly, before joining the Indian freedom struggle. His break came in 1948 when Shamshad Begum recommended him to Shalimar Studios in Pune. He debuted as a junior artist in Bebas (1950), starring Bharat Bhushan.This was the humble beginning of a prolific career that spanned five decades, during which he appeared in about 250 films.
Chandrashekhar In Films
He followed “Bebas” with supporting roles in Apna Desh (1949), Nirdoshi (1951), and Farmaish (1953). He then lands the lead role in V. Shantaram’s “Surang (1953),” with Shashikala and Shiela Ramani. He then appeared in Meenar (1954), Aurat Teri Yehi Kahani (1954), Kavi (1954), Mastana (1954), and Baradari (1955).
His versatility as an actor was evident in the range of characters he portrayed, from lead and negative roles to character roles in films like Basant Bahar (1956), Gateway of India (1957), Fashion (1957), Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959), and Barsaat Ki Raat (1960). Angulimaal (1960), Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962), King Kong (1962), Rustom-e-Baghdad (1963), and Jahan Ara (1964).
Chandrashekhar The Filmmaker
In 1964, he wrote, directed, and starred in “Cha Cha Cha” opposite Helen. The film is remembered for songs like Rafi Asha’s duet “Ek Chameli Ke Mandwe Tale” written by Makhdoom Muhiuddin. It also has classic Rafi numbers like “Subah Na Aayi” and “Woh Hum Na The.” The music of the film was given by Iqbal Qureshi.
He also directed the 1966 film “Street Singer,” starring himself with Helen, David, Bela Bose, and Agha. A little-known music director, Suraj, gave the music of Street Singer. It has a few good songs like Jigar Ka Dard Badhta Ja Raha Hai by Mohammad Rafi and Sharda, Bana Ke Aashiyan Tujh Par Nisaar Kar Baithe by Sharda, Aaja Aaja Aa Aa Gale Lag Ja, Bina Tumhare Maza Kya Hai Aise Jeene Mein, and Ghar Ki Murgi Daal Barabar by Rafi.
Character Actor
In the 1970s, his supporting roles in films, especially with Rajesh Khanna, brought him widespread recognition. Some of his notable character roles came in films like Kati Patang (1970), Hum Tum Aur Woh (1971), Ajnabee (1974), Charitraheen (1974), Ranga Khush (1975), Mehbooba (1976), Shankar Dada (1976), The Burning Train (1980), Namak Halaal (1982), Nikaah (1982), Shakti (1982), Disco Dancer (1982), Sharaabi (1984), Alag Alag (1985), Daku Hasina (1987), Hukumat (1987), Dance Dance (1987), Watan Ke Rakhwale (1987), Tamacha (1988), Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988), Tridev (1989), Love Love Love (1989), Elaan-E-Jung (1989), Kala Bazaar (1989), Majboor (1990), Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990), and many more.
His portrayal of Arya Sumant in the epic television series “Ramayan” is one of his most memorable roles. He continued to act in selected films till the late 1990s, with small film roles in Shiva (1990), Nachnewale Gaanewale (1991), Begunaah (1991), Maa (1991), Ghazab Tamasha (1992), Kisme Kitna Hai Dum (1992), Humshakal (1992), Insaaf Ka Khoon (1993), Meri Aan (1993), Gurudev (1993), Pathreela Raasta (1994), Qahar (1997), Khauff (2000), and many more.
Personal Life
Chandrashekhar was married to Pushpa, with whom he had a son, Ashok Shekhar, and a daughter, Renu Arora. His grandson, Shakti Arora, continues the family’s legacy in the entertainment industry.
Chandrashekhar’s journey came to an end on June 16, 2021, when he passed away at the age of 98. His life and works remain a testament to his enduring contribution to Indian cinema and the arts.
Chandrashekhar on IMDB
