Abhaji Palav Bhagwan or simply Bhagwan was born in the year 1913, August 1st. He was particularly popular with the masses as they could easily identify with his roles. Born in
Mumbai, Bhagwan was the son of a mill worker. Bhagwan joined films in the silent era with his long-term partner, Chandrarao Kadam. His debut film was Bewafa Aashiq.
Bhagwan's first films were stunt films directed by G.P. Pawar. He co-directed his first feature film, Bahadur Kisan, with Pawar in 1938 before becoming a producer with Jagriti Pictures and Bhagwan Art Productions. He became the owner of Jagriti Studios in 1947. Bhagwan reached the pinnacle of his career with Albela. In this film he played the role of a simpleton. His dance number, 'Shola Jo Bhadke' became a rage. The dance style he created was followed by many stars after him, including
Amitabh Bachchan. From 1938 to 1949 he had directed low budget stunt and action films.
In 1951 he turned producer with Jagriti Pics and Bhagwan Arts Production. He made a social film called Albela starring Bhagwan and
Geeta Bali. Despite his unquestionable talent, Bhagwan was relegated to playing cameo roles as comedian and dancer from the early 1970s.
Bhagwan failed to deliver any more hits and eventually gave up producing and directing films. He had to sell his bungalow and cars. He did whatever roles he got but apart from Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje and Chori Chori, none were noticed. Bhagwan died in the year 2002 at the age of 89.
Some of his films are mentioned below:
| Maahirr |
Shareef Budmaash |
Do Premee |
| Mera Damad |
Do Chor |
Darwaza |
| Yuhi Kabhi |
Ehsan |
Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki |
| Numbri Aadmi |
Sher Dil |
Jhoota Kahin Ka |
| Khatarnaak |
Duniya Na Mane |
Vishwasghaat |
| Swarg |
Sapne Suhane |
Sangram |
| Kranti |
Bhabhi |
Chhalia |
| Naseeb |
Biwi Ho To Aisi |
Faraar |
| Kaamchor |
Ganga Tere Desh Mein |
Aan Baan |
| Jazbaat |
Deewana Tere Naam Ka |
Kathputli |
| Kasme Vaade |
Mohabbat Ki Kasam |
Gunehgar |
| Heera-Moti |
Andheri Raat Mein Diya Tere Haath Mein |
Tower House |
| Tarana |
Lover Boy |
Trolley Driver |
| Chor Sipahee |
Kali Basti |
Chacha Zindabad |
| Agent Vinod |
Sahhas |
Mr. Lambu |
| Apradhi |
Bombay 405 Miles |
Sunny |
| Kala Sona |
Sanam Teri Kasam |
Jhutha Sach |
| Banarasi Babu |
Phir Wohi Raat |
Shapath |
| Gaon Hamara Shaher Tumhara |
Phandebaaz |
Dard-E-Dil |
| Aag Aur Daag |
College Girl |
Nastik |
| Ladka Ladki |
Shikshaa |
Badle Ki Aag |
| Forty Days |
Chacha Bhatija |
Teri Maang Sitaron Se Bhar Doon |
| Stree |
Saheb Bahadur |
Professor Pyarelal |
| Ustad |
Resham Ki Dori |
Aasha |
| Na-Insaafi |
Rafoo Chakkar |
Biwi-O-Biwi |
| Maine Pyar Kiya |
Tangewala |
Nazrana Pyar Ka |
| Touhean |
Mera Gaon Mera Desh |
Mukti |
| Gair Kaanooni |
Intaquam |
Toote Khilone |
| Farz Ki Jung |
Rustom-E-Baghdad |
Jaan-E-Bahaar |
| Zalzala |
O Tera Kya Kahna |
Khel Khilari Ka |
| Main Tere Liye |
Mohar |
Mazaaq |
| Katilon Ke Kaatil |
Gateway of India |
Kuchhe Dhaage |
| Chambal Ki Kasam |
Alag Alag |
Balak Dhruv |
| Sun Sajna |
Ramkali |
Raaste Kaa Patthar |
| Pyaara Dushman |
Patthar Dil |
Saaz Aur Sanam |
| Azaad |
Bhiku |
Duniya Nachegi |
| Prem Bandhan |
Bindiya Chamkegi |
Pathan |
| Ahimsa |
Love Marriage |
Dulhan |
| Chakkar Pe Chakkar |
Yeh Desh |
Kangan |
| Jay Vejay |
Saajan Ki Saheli |
Chori Chori |
| Imaan |
Yeh Kaisa Insaaf |
Teesri Aankh |
| Jaggu |
Dharam Kanta |
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