Umesh Mehra

Biography

Umesh Mehra, born on August 6, 1953, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, is a distinguished Indian film director and producer known for his significant contributions to Bollywood during the 1980s and 1990s. He is the son of the renowned Bollywood producer F.C. Mehra, who established Eagle Films in 1954 and produced notable films like "Professor" and "Lal Patthar" in the 1960s.

Career Highlights

Umesh Mehra began his directorial journey in 1978 and quickly became a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. His collaboration with leading actors and his versatility across genres have left an indelible mark on Bollywood.

Notable Collaborations with Mithun Chakraborty: Mehra directed several successful films starring Mithun Chakraborty, including "Ashanti" (1982), "Mujrim" (1989), "Guru" (1989), and "Yaar Gaddar" (1994).

Khiladi Series with Akshay Kumar: He directed Akshay Kumar in three films of the popular Khiladi series: "Sabse Bada Khiladi" (1995), "Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi" (1996), and "International Khiladi" (1999).

International Collaborations: Mehra co-directed "Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" (1980) with Latif Faiziev, a joint production between India and the Soviet Union, and "Sohni Mahiwal" (1984), further showcasing his ability to blend diverse cinematic sensibilities.

Directing Legendary Actors: In 1998, he directed the veteran actor Dilip Kumar in "Qila," which was Kumar's last film.

Selected Filmography

Hamare Tumhare (1979)

Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980)

Ashanti (1982)

Sohni Mahiwal (1984)

Avinash (1986)

Jaal (1986)

Kasam (1988)

Vardi (1989)

Guru (1989)

Mujrim (1989)

Shikari: The Hunter (1991)

Aashiq Awara (1993)

Yaar Gaddar (1994)

Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995)

Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996)

Qila (1998)

International Khiladi (1999)

Yeh Mohabbat Hai (2002)

Legacy

Umesh Mehra's films are remembered for their engaging storytelling and ability to connect with audiences. His work has contributed to the evolution of commercial cinema in India, and his collaborations with top actors of the time have resulted in some of Bollywood's memorable films.