#Ram Rajya (1943)

[bollywoodirect]

Tributes to #KhemchandPrakash, one of the greatest Hindi film music directors, on his 116th birth anniversary (12/12/1907).

Khemchand Prakash, born on December 12, 1907, in Jaipur and hailing from Sujangarh in Rajputana Agency, British India (now Rajasthan), was a beacon of musical innovation in the Hindi film industry. His journey from the royal courts of Bikaner and Nepal to the bustling city of Kolkata, where he joined the legendary New Theaters, set the stage for his illustrious career. As an assistant to composer Timir Baran in the 1935 film ‘Devdas’ and a performer of a comedic song in ‘Street Singer’ (1938), Prakash’s talents began to shine.

In 1939, destiny took him to Mumbai, marking his debut as a music director with Supreme Pictures’ films ‘Meri Aankhein’ and ‘Gazi Salauddin’. His association with Ranjit Movietone Film Studio produced memorable films like ‘Diwali’, ‘Holi’, ‘Pardesi’, and ‘Fariyaad’. Khursheed, his leading singer, and Prakash together delivered numerous hits in the early ’40s. Their crowning achievement was the 1943 film ‘Tansen’, featuring hit songs that are remembered to this day.

The late ’40s saw Prakash’s career peak with films like ‘Ziddi’ from Bombay Talkies in 1948, where he gave Kishore Kumar his first major break and featured Lata Mangeshkar’s enchanting song “Chanda re ja re ja re”. But it was the 1949 film ‘Mahal’ that truly cemented Lata Mangeshkar’s fame. The record for the song “Aayega Aanewala” initially credited only the character name, Kamini. Such was the song’s popularity that All India Radio was inundated with calls inquiring about the singer, leading to the first public announcement of Lata Mangeshkar’s name.

Khemchand Prakash’s legacy extends beyond his compositions. Famous composer Anil Biswas credited him for adhering to historical accuracy in musical traditions, notably in making K.L. Saigal sing ‘Sapt Suran Teen Gram’ in the Dhrupad style for ‘Tansen’, a genre authentic to Tansen’s era, instead of the more modern Khayal genre.

Tragically, Prakash passed away at Harikisondas Hospital two months before the release of ‘Mahal’. His masterpiece ‘Aayega Aanewala’ became a sensation posthumously. The poignant tale of his second wife, Shreedevi, struggling in her later years, and the achievements of his daughter, Chandrakala Khemchand Prakash, a Kathak dancer married to Padmashree awardee Ram Gopal Bajaj, adds a personal dimension to his story. Javed Akhtar, in his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha on May 17, 2012, highlighted Prakash’s significant yet often overlooked contribution to Indian music and cinema, ensuring his legacy lives on.

[indiejones]

40′s BOLLYWOOD !

40′s BOLLYWOOD ! : 

THE PLATINUM ERA OF HINDI CINEMA (1913-47), CONTRARY TO EXPECTATION, SAW A FLOOD OF FILMS (>100 EVEN!) ANNUALLY, FOR ALL IT'S 35 YRS, YET LOST TO THE RAVAGES & PART NEGLIGENCE OF TIME. THIS RAREST OF EFFORTS & COLLECTIONS, RESEARCHING INTO THIS LONGEST OF BYGONE (LARGELY PRE-INDEPENDENCE) ERAS, HAS SOMEHOW AUTHENTICALLY BEEN ABLE TO DIG UP & PERSONALLY VIEW ALL OF THESE BELOW FILMS ONLINE, & HENCE BASED ON EXPERIENCE NOT HEARSAY...& MAY I SAY HERE, A MOST DELICATE YET SOLID & IMPRESSIVE SPREAD, INDEED! ALSO OF COURSE, DIGITAL RESTORATION, BEING AS TOUGH, EXPENSIVE & TIME-CONSUMING AS IT IS, THESE ARE EXPECTEDLY ONLY THE VERY FINEST, MOST POPULAR, HIGHEST RATED & MOST PATRONIZED FILMS OF THAT TIME..SO FILM AFFICIONADOS LIKELY NOT BE MISSING OUT TOO MUCH, IN THEIR HISTORICAL ANALYSIS...IF JUST GO THRU THESE BELOW INTRICATELY JUDGED & SORTED FILMS, RATED IN CONTEXT OF THEIR RELATIVE PRESENCE IN THE INDIES ALL-TIME (SOON TO-BE-RELEASED 108 YR) LIST, & AS SUCH WITH A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE. THE FIRST 4 FILMS HERE, INFACT MAKE IT TO THE INDIES ALL-TIME TOP 50, NO LESS! FURTHER, TOP 7 IN ALL-TIME TOP 100, TOP 13 IN ALL-TIME TOP 200, TOP 22 IN ALL-TIME TOP 300, TOP 38 IN ALL-TIME 400, & TOP 45 IN ALL-TIME TOP 600 ! DIP INTO INDIA'S PRECIOUS ILLUSTRIOUS MELLIFLUOUS & ARTISTIC, ANCIENT FILM HERITAGE.

1 Aurat 1940 2 Devdas 1936 3 Neecha Nagar 1946 4 Dharti Ke Lal 1950 5 Street Singer 1938 6 Naukadubi 1947 7 Ram Rajya 1943 8 Bidyapati 1937 9 Valmiki 1946 10 Ramshastri 1944 11 Pukar 1939 12 Mirza Sahiban 1947 13 Toofani Tarzan 1937 14 Shiraz 1928 15 Anmol Ghadi 1946 16 Tansen 1943 17 Padosi 1941 18 Meri Bahen 1944 19 President 1937 20 Sati Savitri 1927 21 Dharti Mata 1938 22 Bhakta Surdas 1942 23 Sant Tukaram 1936 24 Shahjehan 1946 25 Bharat Milap 1942 26 Bhartrahari 1944 27 Life's for Living: Aadmi 1939 28 Ratan 1944 29 Khandaan 1942 30 Amrit Manthan 1934 31 Bhanvara 1944 32 Lal Haveli 1944 33 Prithvi Vallabh 1943 34 Taqdeer 1943 35 Kangan 1939 36 Elan 1947 37 Laila Majnu 1945 38 Sanjog 1943 39 Raja Harishchandra 1913 40 Kaliya Mardan 1919 41 Muraliwala 1927 42 Gaon Ki Gori 1945 43 Achhut Kanya 1936 44 Rajput Ramani 1936 45 Doctor 1940 46 Khazanchi 1941 47 Prem Nagar 1940 48 Duniya Na Mane 1938 49 Jamaibabu 1931 50 Ek Din Ka Sultan 1945 51 Dushman 1938 52 Jugnu 1947 53 Dhoop Chhaon 1935 54 Kismet 1944 55 Basant 1942 56 Ek Hi Raasta 1939 57 Aage Badho 1947 58 Naya Sansar 1941 59 Bandhan 1940 60 Janmabhoomi 1936 61 Karodpati 1936 62 Chand 1944 63 Station Master 1942 64 Miss Frontier Mail 1936 65 Jungle Princess 1942 66 Hunterwali 1935 67 Zeenat 1945 68 The Court Dancer: Raj Narkati 1941 69 Diler Jagar 1931 70 Sant Sakhu 1941 71 Narsi Bhagat 1940 72 Daku Ki Ladki 1933 73 Kapal Kundala 1939 74 Hamrahi 1944 75 Sikandar 1941 76 Shri Krishn Arjun Yuddha 1945 77 Humayun 1945 78 1857 1946 79 Pannadai 1945 80 Maharana Pratap 1946 81 Panna 1944 82 Parbat Pe Apna Dera 1944 83 Parinde 1945 84 Parwana 1947 85 Jhoola 1941 86 Aabroo 1943 87 Wapas 1943 88 Azad 1940 89 Roti 1942 90 Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani 1946 91 Saugandh 1942 92 Wahan 1937 93 Najma 1943 94 Phool 1945 95 Shehnai 1947 96 Prem Sanyas 1925 97 Ramayani 1945 98 Chandidas 1934 99 Nirmala 1938 100 Jeevan Prabhat 1937 101 Izzat 1937 102 Amar Jyoti 1936 103 Jwar Bhata 1944 104 Pratima 1945 105 Dard 1947 106 Bhakta Dhruva 1947 107 Neel Kamal 1947 108 Mohan 1947 109 Naukar 1943 110 Mehandi 1947 111 Jail Yatra 1947 112 Karma 1935 1935 113 Meera 1949 114 Lagan 1941 115 Ek Hi Raasta 1939 116 Kashinath 1943 117 Chandrasena 1935 118 Jeevan Naya 1936 119 Bahen 1941 120 Diamond Queen 1940 121 Muqabla 1941 122 Do Bhai 1947 123 Karwane Hayat 1935 124 Lal-e-Yaman 1933 125 Jailor 1938 126 Brahmachari 1938 127 Shri Krishna Janma 1918 128 Tukaram 1921 129 Chitrapat Kase Tayar Kartat 1917 130 Lanka Dahan 1917 131 Sukanya Savitri 1922 132 Bhakta Pralhad 1926 133 Khod Modli 1925 134 Pitru Prem 1929 135 Kaya Palat 1929 136 Marthandavarman 1931 137 Ayodhyecha Raja 1932 138 Maya Machhindra 1932 139 Vantolio 1933 140 Natir Puja 1932

[wionews]

Why BJP's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind is an "exceptional" Dalit

Harold J Laski, a political theorist London School of Economics, taught minds that won seats in the London School of Economics.

So big a thinker Laski was that even Winston Churchill couldn’t afford to ignore.

The political theorist of his times, Harold Laski was impressed by KR Narayanan's mind reflexes and wrote a letter of recommendation to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. How could the then Indian Prime Minister ignore Laski’s words-- Narayanan was inducted into the Indian Foreign Service. 

Narayanan who topped the English Language in the University of Travancoretopper in 1943 didn’t prove Harold Laski wrong; he didn’t disappoint India’s foreign office either.

KR Narayanan’s nomination to the presidency was in recognition of his iconic stature, a role model citizen for the entire country, arguably, the most illustrious Dalit of his time

  ×

After China-India war in 1962, diplomatic relations were disrupted between both the nations. However, normalcy was set to return by 1976. The country needed the best diplomatic mind to deal with China, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi chose Narayanan to represent India in Beijing. After an illustrious service, Narayanan retired in 1984.

After India’s first nuclear test in 1974, relations between the US and India were strained. Indira Gandhi wanted to bring normalcy in the Indo-US relationship, once again, the country needed a genius to represent India in Washington DC. Narayanan was recalled from retirement, and assigned an ambassadorial seat in the Washington DC in the year 1980. He served a four-year term, bringing both the countries closer.

A scholar and author, KR Narayanan spoke his mind on Dalit issues, took an active part in conferences and discussions that dealt with Dalit issues. He even wrote articles advocating the Dalit cause.

Impressed by his genius and commitment to the community, the Congress party offered him a Lok Sabha seat in 1984 and Narayanan went on to win three elections in a row. Then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inducted Narayanan into his ministry. 

Before becoming the country’s first vice president in the year 1992, Narayanan was already an iconic Dalit personality. He went on to become the President of India in the year 1997- the first Dalit president. As the President, Narayanan served the nation well, arguably, nation’s best president ever.

KR Narayanan’s nomination to the presidency was in recognition of his iconic stature, a role model citizen for the entire country, arguably, the most illustrious Dalit of his time.

While Ram Nath Kovind deserves to be congratulated for his presidential feat, the future history would ask some questions incessantly, and BJP will have to answer these. Some of these questions are: 

Was Mr Ram Nath Kovind an all India name before his candidature was announced yesterday

Was Kovind an all-India Dalit name till yesterday

 Is Kovind at all known for promoting a Dalit Agenda

Ram Nath Kovind is an exceptional Dalit, is close to RSS, and at that, a designed poster boy of Hindutva

  ×

What all is slowly emerging is the fact that Ram Nath Kovind is an exceptional Dalit, is close to RSS, and at that, a designed poster boy of Hindutva. Kovind is a practising Hindu, celebrates Hindu rituals, prefers silence over atrocities on Dalits, has no known history of questioning gau rakshaks, none knows what his views are on Rohit Vemula, Una, Shaharnpur.

We are yet to know what kind of economy Kovind has in his mind, certainly, he is not for a communist manifesto, he is not socialist either. Does he endorse a capitalistic order for India, and is deeply entrenched with Ram Rajya, Hindu Rashtra fatalisms?

In all likelihood, it appears to be a well thought of design to market Hindutva in the Dalit bazar that has so far kept the Hindutva hawkers at a bay. 

  ]]>

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Prem Adib, the Ram of the Hindi Silver Screen, on his 103rd birth anniversary today.

Prem Adib was acclaimed as one of the top actors of the early 1940s, along with Pahari Sanyal, Ashok Kumar, PC Barua, Master Vinayak and others. He was a popular actor of Hindi cinema who has portrayed numerous mythological roles on screen. During a career span of 25 years, he acted in over 60 films. Adib is best remembered for his role as Lord Ram in Bharat Milap (1942). Prem Adib became popular after playing Ram in Bharat Milap (1942) and Ram Rajya (1943).

Even though many actors like Shahu Modak, Mahipal, Trilok Kapoor, Abhi Bhattacharya, Manhar Desai, Anant Kumar, Baalakraam and Chandrakant have time and again played the role of Lord Ram on the Silver Screen, no one really made the kind of impression Prem Adib did on the public. He essayed the role of Lord Ram in about 8 films. Bharat Milap (1942), Ram Rajya (1943), Ram Baan (1948), Ram Vivah (1949), Ram Navami (1956), Ram Hanuman Yudha (1957), Ram Lakshman (1957) and Ram Bhakt Vibhishan (1958).

It is well known that the only film Mahatma Gandhi saw in his lifetime was ‘Ram Rajya’. This mythological film, released in 1943 was a ‘Prakash Pictures’ production, directed by Vijay Bhatt with lyrics by Ramesh Gupta and music by Shankar Rao Vyas. The actor who played Lord Ram along with Shobhna Samarth (as Sita) in this film was Prem Adib, a name that is still afresh in the memories of Hindi Cine buffs of that era.

Prem Adib died in 1959 at the age of 42.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary star Shobhna Samarth on her 20th death anniversary today.

Shobhana Samarth (17 November 1916 – 9 February 2000) was a film actress, director, and producer of Marathi ethnicity, who began her career in the early days of talkie movies in the Hindi film industry and continued in lead roles into the 1950s. She started in Marathi cinema. Her first Hindi film, Nigahen Nafrat, was released in 1935. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Sita in Ram Rajya (1943). In 1997, she was honored with the Filmfare Special Award for her contribution to arts.

Samarth later produced and directed a pair of movies that launched the careers of her daughters, Nutan and Tanuja.

Shobana's first film was "Orphans Of Society" (1935) also called Nigahe Nafrat or Vilasi Ishwar for Kolhapur Cinetone, directed by Vinayak and starred Vinayak and Baburao Pendharkar. The film was not a success but Shobna was critically acclaimed for her role. The film was a bilingual made in Urdu and Marathi. Shobhna claims in an interview that she did not know any Urdu at that time of filming, speaking the dialogues by rote and it was only later that she picked up the language. She was with Kolhapur Cinetone for thirteen months but acted in one film.

She left Kolhapur Cinetone and joined Sagar Movietone (Sagar Film Company), she acted in one film called Kokila (1937) directed by Sarvottam Badami, starring Motilal, Sabita Devi and Sitara Devi. The other film for Sagar was Do Diwane (1936), directed by C. M. Luhar and co-starring Motilal, Yakub and Aruna Devi.

By the end of 1937, Shobhana left Sagar and joined General Films, acting in Industrial India (Nirala Hindustan) directed by Mohan Sinha with Prem Adib and Wasti. The second film for them was Pati Patni (1939) directed by V. M. Gunjal with co-stars Yakub, Sitara Devi and Wasti.

By 1939 she had joined Hindustan Cinetone making four films with them, which included Kaun Kisi ka (1939) and Saubhagya (1940) by C. M. Luhar, Apni Nagariya (1940) by V. M. Gunjal. She then worked for a film directed by her husband, Kumar Sen Samarth called Ghar Javai (1941) where she was cast with Damuanna Malvankar.

In 1942 came her career-defining film Bharat Milap, directed by Vijay Bhatt and starring Durga Khote as Kaikeyi, Shobhana as Seeta and Prem Adib as Ram. Following this was Ram Rajya in 1943, and Shobhana became identified as Seeta, leading to several other films where they recreated the roles. Shobhana as Sita and Prem Adib as Rama became extremely popular and were accepted by the audiences and had them featuring as Rama and Sita on calendars.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary star Shobhna Samarth on her 104th birth anniversary Shobhana Samarth (17 November 1916 – 9 February 2000) was a film actress, director, and producer of Marathi ethnicity, who began her career in the early days of talkie movies in the Hindi film industry and continued in lead roles into the 1950s. She started in Marathi cinema. Her first Hindi film, Nigahen Nafrat, was released in 1935. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Sita in Ram Rajya (1943). In 1997, she was honored with the Filmfare Special Award for her contribution to arts.

Samarth later produced and directed a pair of movies that launched the careers of her daughters, Nutan and Tanuja. Shobana's first film was "Orphans Of Society" (1935) also called Nigahe Nafrat or Vilasi Ishwar for Kolhapur Cinetone, directed by Vinayak and starred Vinayak and Baburao Pendharkar. The film was not a success but Shobna was critically acclaimed for her role. The film was a bilingual made in Urdu and Marathi. Shobhna claims in an interview that she did not know any Urdu at that time of filming, speaking the dialogues by rote and it was only later that she picked up the language. She was with Kolhapur Cinetone for thirteen months but acted in one film. She left Kolhapur Cinetone and joined Sagar Movietone (Sagar Film Company), she acted in one film called Kokila (1937) directed by Sarvottam Badami, starring Motilal, Sabita Devi and Sitara Devi. The other film for Sagar was Do Diwane (1936), directed by C. M. Luhar and co-starring Motilal, Yakub and Aruna Devi. By the end of 1937, Shobhana left Sagar and joined General Films, acting in Industrial India (Nirala Hindustan) directed by Mohan Sinha with Prem Adib and Wasti. The second film for them was Pati Patni (1939) directed by V. M. Gunjal with co-stars Yakub, Sitara Devi and Wasti. By 1939 she had joined Hindustan Cinetone making four films with them, which included Kaun Kisi ka (1939) and Saubhagya (1940) by C. M. Luhar, Apni Nagariya (1940) by V. M. Gunjal. She then worked for a film directed by her husband, Kumar Sen Samarth called Ghar Javai (1941) where she was cast with Damuanna Malvankar. In 1942 came her career-defining film Bharat Milap, directed by Vijay Bhatt and starring Durga Khote as Kaikeyi, Shobhana as Seeta and Prem Adib as Ram. Following this was Ram Rajya in 1943, and Shobhana became identified as Seeta, leading to several other films where they recreated the roles. Shobhana as Sita and Prem Adib as Rama became extremely popular and were accepted by the audiences and had them featuring as Rama and Sita on calendars.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary star Shobhana Samarth on her 19th death anniversary today.

Shobhana Samarth, the Indian screen goddess who was showered with coins and flowers like a true divinity from Hindu heaven. She turned to be one of the well-famed actresses in Indian movies mainly Hindi and Marathi. She was an earlier heroine acted in lead roles up to the '50s and later in supporting roles.

Her first Hindi film, 'Nigahen Nafrat' was released in 1935. Shobhana is best known for her portrayal of Sita in 'Ram Rajya', produced in 1943. ( 'Ram Rajya' was the only film Mahatma Gandhi saw ever in his lifetime.) So evocative was this performance that she became the eternal Sita in the audience's minds. The first film in which she acted as Sita was 'Bharat Milap' (1942).

Notable films of her included Vilasi Ishwar, Nal Damayanthi, Sri Krishna Arjun Yudh, Ram Baan,Taramati, Insaniyat, Chhalia, Chitralekha, Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal, Love In Simla and Ek Baar Muskura Do.

She had also produced a film 'Hamari Beti' in 1950 in which she launched her daughter Nutan. In 1960 she produced 'Chhabili' to launch her second daughter Tanuja.

Shobhana Samarth passed away on 9 February 2000.

[bollywoodirect]

Today is the 59th death anniversary of Prem Adib, the Ram of the Silver Screen.

Even though many actors like Shahu Modak, Mahipal, Trilok Kapoor, Abhi Bhattacharya, Manhar Desai, Anant Kumar, Baalakraam and Chandrakant have time and again played the Role of Lord Ram on the Silver Screen, no one really made the kind of impression Prem Adib did on the public. He essayed the role of Lord Ram in about 8 films. Bharat Milap (1942), Ram Rajya (1943), Ram Baan (1948), Ram Vivah (1949), Ram Navami (1956), Ram Hanuman Yudha (1957), Ram Lakshman (1957), Ram Bhakt Vibhishan (1958).

It is well known that the only film Gandhi ji saw in his lifetime was ‘Ram Rajya’. This mythological film, released in 1943 was a ‘Prakash Pictures’ production, directed by Vijay Bhatt with lyrics by Ramesh Gupta and music by Shankar Rao Vyas. The actor who played Lord Ram along with Shobhna Samarth (as Sita) in this film was Prem Adib, a name that is still fresh in the memories of Hindi Cine buffs of that era.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary star Shobhana Samarth on her 103rd birth anniversary.

Shobhana Samarth, the Indian screen goddess who was showered with coins and flowers like a true divinity from Hindu heaven. She turned to be one of the well famed actresses in Indian movies mainly Hindi and Marathi. She was an earlier heroine acted well-famedin lead roles up to the 50's and later in supporting roles.

Her first Hindi film, 'Nigahen Nafrat' was released in 1935. Shobhana is best known for her portrayal of Sita in 'Ram Rajya', produced in 1943. ( 'Ram Rajya' was the only film Mahatma Gandhi saw ever in his life time.) So evocative was this performance that she became the eternal Sita in the audience's minds. The first film in which she acted as Sita was 'Bharat Milap' (1942).

Notable films of her included Vilasi Ishwar, Nal Damayanthi, Sri Krishna Arjun Yudh, Ram Baan,Taramati, Insaniyat, Chhalia, Chitralekha, Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal, Love In Simla and Ek Baar Muskura Do.

She had also produced a film 'Hamari Beti' in 1950 in which she launched her daughter Nutan. In 1960 she produced 'Chhabili' to launch her second daughter Tanuja.

Shobhana Samarth passed away on 9 February, 2000.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Shobhna Samarth on her 17th death anniversary.

Shobhana Samarth (17 November 1916 – 9 February 2000) was a film actress, director and producer of Marathi ethnicity, who began her career in the early days of talkie movies in the Hindi film industry, and continued in lead roles into the 1950s. She started in Marathi cinema. Her first Hindi film, Nigahen Nafrat, was released in 1935. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Sita in Ram Rajya (1943). In 1997, she was honoured with the Filmfare Special Award for her contribution to arts.

Samarth later produced and directed a pair of movies that launched the careers of her daughters, Nutan and Tanuja.

Shobana's first film was "Orphans Of Society" (1935) also called Nigahe Nafrat or Vilasi Ishwar for Kolhapur Cinetone, directed by Vinayak and starred Vinayak and Baburao Pendharkar. The film was not a success but Shobna was critically acclaimed for her role. The film was a bilingual made in Urdu and Marathi. Shobhna claims in an interview that she did not know any Urdu at that time of filming, speaking the dialogues by rote and it was only later that she picked up the language. She was with Kolhapur Cinetone for thirteen months but acted in one film.

She left Kolhapur Cinetone and joined Sagar Movietone (Sagar Film Company), she acted in one film called Kokila (1937) directed by Sarvottam Badami, starring Motilal, Sabita Devi and Sitara Devi. The other film for Sagar was Do Diwane (1936), directed by C. M. Luhar and co-starring Motilal, Yakub and Aruna Devi.

By the end of 1937, Shobhana left Sagar and joined General Films, acting in Industrial India (Nirala Hindustan) directed by Mohan Sinha with Prem Adib and Wasti. The second film for them was Pati Patni (1939) directed by V. M. Gunjal with co-stars Yakub, Sitara Devi and Wasti.

By 1939 she had joined Hindustan Cinetone making four films with them, which included Kaun Kisi ka (1939) and Saubhagya (1940) by C. M. Luhar, Apni Nagariya (1940) by V. M. Gunjal. She then worked for a film directed by her husband, Kumar Sen Samarth called Ghar Javai (1941) where she was cast with Damuanna Malvankar.

In 1942 came her career-defining film Bharat Milap, directed by Vijay Bhatt and starring Durga Khote as Kaikeyi, Shobhana as Seeta and Prem Adib as Ram. Following this was Ram Rajya in 1943, and Shobhana became identified as Seeta, leading to several other films where they recreated the roles. Shobhana as Sita and Prem Adib as Rama became extremely popular and were accepted by the audiences and had them featuring as Rama and Sita on calendars.