#GoldenFrames: Raj Khosla, one of the most admired directors in Hindi cinema

Raj Khosla was one of the top directors in Hindi movies from the 1950s to the 1980s. He is a rare filmmaker who transcended different genres with ease. Raj Khosla was awarded the Filmfare Best Movie Award for 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki' in 1978. He was famous as a 'women's director' because he showcased actresses at their best capabilities.

Born on May 31st, 1925, in Rahon, Punjab, Khosla was a trained classical singer. He came to Mumbai to work as a singer. He worked in All India Radio for a while as a music staff.

Khosla's father was a railway officer. After his father's transfer to Mumbai, he was enrolled in Anjuman-e-Islam High School. In school, Raj was more inclined towards cricket than studies. His father then put him in another institution. He graduated in Arts in 1945 and secured a job as an apprentice in Punjab National Bank. After the communal riot broke away, Khosla left his job.

Khosla frequently visited Coffee House in Mumbai, where he often ended up meeting Dev Anand. Their friendship grew, and Khosla landed a second lead in 'Rain Basera' (1947). Sadly, the movie led him nowhere.

After three years of graduation, Khosla was selected in All India Radio and the Army. He joined AIR for eighty rupees per month.

Dev Anand hired Khosla as Guru Dutt's assistant in movies, such as 'Baazi' (1951). Khosla became the most sort-after director. He made famous movies such as 'C.I.D.' (1956) 'Woh Kaun Thi?' (1964), 'Do Badan' (1966) 'Do Raaste' (1969), 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki' (1978).

For 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki' (1978), Khosla received Filmfare Award for Best Film. The director is also known for 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh,' for which Dharmendra received a nomination for Best Actor.

At times, Khosla altered his film's styles and added his own touch to each genre. Never wanting to play safe. He understood women and their sentiments very well.

Khosla's movies eventually started flopping. He was totally disillusioned with the film industry. A dispirited Khosla took refuge in alcohol and died in Mumbai on June 9, 1991.

After Raj Khosla's death, 'The Raj Khosla Foundation' was established by his daughter Sunita Khosla Bhalla, with Shatrughan Sinha, as the chairman, and members like Manoj Kumar, Moushumi Chatterjee, Kabir Bedi, Mahesh Bhatt, Amit Khanna and Johny Bakshi.