M.N. Malhotra

Biography

M. N. Malhotra was a distinguished Indian cinematographer who made significant contributions to Hindi cinema during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Renowned for his technical expertise and artistic visual style, he worked on several landmark films and collaborated with some of the biggest filmmakers of his era, including B. R. Chopra and Sohrab Modi. He is particularly remembered for winning the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for Hamraaz (1967).

Malhotra began his career in the film industry as a camera technician and assistant cinematographer. He assisted acclaimed Hollywood cinematographer Ernst Haller on Jhansi Ki Rani (1953), one of India's earliest Technicolor films. This experience helped establish his reputation as one of the industry's finest cameramen.

Throughout his career, M. N. Malhotra photographed numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. His cinematography was praised for its elegant compositions, expressive lighting, and ability to enhance dramatic storytelling. He also served in technical supervisory roles on several productions, reflecting his broad expertise in filmmaking.

Among his notable films are:

• Sheesh Mahal (1950)
• Kundan (1955)
• Ek Hi Raasta (1956)
• Naya Daur (1957)
• Sadhana (1958)
• Lajwanti (1958)
• Dhool Ka Phool (1959)
• Kanoon (1960)
• Dharmputra (1961)
• Gumrah (1963)
• Majboor (1964)
• Waqt (technical executive/chief technician)
• Hamraaz (1967)
• Aabroo (1968)
• Intezar (1973) 
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M. N. Malhotra belonged to a prominent film family. He was the father of film producer Naresh Malhotra and the grandfather of producer and visual effects entrepreneur Namit Malhotra, founder of DNEG and Prime Focus.