The Filmmaker Who Slapped Stars into Stardom – Kedar Sharma's Unmatched Journey

Kedar Sharma was a name in Hindi cinema that could turn fate around for many artists — taking them from obscurity to stardom. It was said that even his slaps carried blessings, and the coins he gifted as rewards were treasured like rare gems.

Kedar Sharma was one of the early pioneers of Hindi cinema, known for his strict discipline and no-nonsense approach on film sets. His unique style of directing helped shape the careers of numerous legendary actors. Stories still circulate in the film industry about how he scolded and even slapped actors — but those very incidents turned out to be career-defining moments for them.

The Slap That Changed Raj Kapoor’s Life

The legendary Kapoor family owes a part of its cinematic legacy to Kedar Sharma. If it weren’t for him, Raj Kapoor might never have made it into films. During his early days, Raj worked as a clap boy for Sharma. One day, when he messed up the clap timing during a shoot, Sharma slapped him.

Surprisingly, not long after, Sharma cast Raj Kapoor as the lead opposite Madhubala in Neel Kamal (1947). That role marked the beginning of Raj Kapoor’s golden journey in cinema — a journey that made him one of the biggest stars of Indian film history.

Tanuja Also Faced the Wrath

Kedar Sharma also once slapped actress Tanuja on the sets of Hamari Yaad Aayegi. In her early days, Tanuja was carefree and playful — traits Sharma did not tolerate on his disciplined sets. But under his guidance, she matured into a serious and impactful performer. His tough mentorship helped polish her raw talent.

Recognizing Hidden Talent: Roshan, Mubarak Begum & Bharat Bhushan

In the 1949 film Neki Aur Badi, Sharma had originally chosen Snehal Bhatkar for music. However, he was deeply impressed by the compositions of a young newcomer named Roshan. Without hesitation, he gave Roshan the opportunity — a decision that proved visionary.

Similarly, when actor Bharat Bhushan was struggling for work, Sharma cast him in Chitralekha, offering him a vital break in his career.

The Precious ‘Chavanni’ That Carried Luck

One of Sharma’s signature traits was rewarding good work with a coin — first a two-anna (dūannī), and later a four-anna (chavanni). These coins became symbolic of his approval and were considered lucky. Those who received them — including Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Geeta Bali, singer Mubarak Begum, and composer Roshan — cherished them like tokens of destiny.

From Painter to Cinematographer

Ironically, Kedar Sharma originally came to the film industry aspiring to become an actor. Inspired by the 1933 film Puran Bhagat, he moved to Kolkata — then the epicenter of Indian cinema.

After several days of struggle, he met Dinshaw Rani of Modern Theatres, who asked what roles he could perform. Sharma listed acting, writing, and songwriting, but there was no demand for those. Instead, there was an opening for a painter. Skilled in art, he took the job — hoping it would bring him closer to acting.

Soon enough, he transitioned behind the camera. His debut as a cinematographer came in Seeta (1934), followed by a small acting role in Inquilab.

Recognition through ‘Devdas’

Sharma’s big break came with Devdas (1936), where he worked as a story writer and lyricist. The film’s success cemented his position in the industry. He went on to direct Aulad and the critically acclaimed Chitralekha (1941), gaining recognition as a serious filmmaker.

Classic Films that Shaped Hindi Cinema

Throughout his career, Sharma directed several iconic films, including: Zindagi, Dil Hi Toh Hai, Gauri, Armaan, Mumtaz Mahal, Chand Chakori, Duniya Ek Sarai, Suhag Raat, Neel Kamal (as producer)

A Heart for Children’s Cinema

Few know that Sharma also made numerous sensitive and educational films for children. Some of these include:
Jaldeep, Ganga Ki Lahrein, Gulab Ka Phool, 26 January, Ekta, Chetak, Meera Ka Chitra, Mahatirth, and Khuda Hafiz.

A Gifted Lyricist Too

Kedar Sharma wasn’t just a filmmaker — he was a poet with a cinematic soul. His lyrical masterpieces include: “Teri Duniya Mein Ji Lagta Nahin”, “Khayaalon Mein Kisi Ke” – Baawre Nain, “Balam Aaye Base Mere Man Mein” – Devdas, “Main Kya Janoon Kya Jaadu Hai” – Zindagi, “Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein Yun” – Hamari Yaad Aayegi

An Institution in Himself

Kedar Sharma remained active in the film industry for nearly five decades. On 29 April 1999, this multi-talented filmmaker passed away. Yet, the stars he discovered and the stories he brought to life on screen continue to keep his legacy alive.

He wasn’t just a director — he was an institution, who taught with slaps and blessed with coins, shaping Indian cinema one life at a time.

Read also:

• Salman Khan's security increased after Baba Siddiqui's murder
  
• Kiara Advani will be seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kartik Aryan revealed
• Taapsee Pannu said this about Donkey co-star Shah Rukh Khan
• Varun Dhawan & Samantha Ruth Prabhu Shine in Citadel: Honey Bunny