Hrishikesh Mukherjee (30 September 1922 – 27 August 2006) was an Indian film director and editor, known for warm, humane films about middle-class life. They include Anand, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke and Golmaal. His “middle cinema” bridged mainstream Bollywood and art films, and he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Hrishikesh Mukherjee |
| Born | 30 September 1922, Calcutta (now Kolkata), India |
| Died | 27 August 2006, Mumbai (aged 83) |
| Profession | Director, editor |
| Directorial debut | Musafir (1957) |
| Known for | Anand, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, Golmaal |
| Honours | Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1999), Padma Vibhushan (2001) |
Early Life
Mukherjee was born in Calcutta and earned a degree in chemistry. He briefly taught mathematics before joining New Theatres in Calcutta as a film editor, where he worked with director Bimal Roy.
Career
Mukherjee followed Bimal Roy to Bombay and edited classics such as Do Bigha Zamin (1953) and Devdas (1955). He was regarded as one of the finest editors in Indian cinema.
After his debut Musafir (1957), Mukherjee scored a hit with Anari (1959), starring Raj Kapoor. His films, including Anupama and Satyakam with Dharmendra, told gentle, realistic stories about ordinary people.
Anand (1971), starring Rajesh Khanna as a cheerful man with a terminal illness and Amitabh Bachchan as his doctor, became one of Hindi cinema’s best-loved films. Mukherjee followed it with Guddi, Bawarchi, Namak Haraam, Abhimaan, Mili and the comedies Chupke Chupke (1975) and Golmaal (1979). He also chaired India’s Central Board of Film Certification and the National Film Development Corporation.
Personal Life and Death
Mukherjee was known for his love of dogs and his modest, disciplined lifestyle. He died in Mumbai on 27 August 2006, aged 83.
Selected Filmography
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Hrishikesh Mukherjee born?
Hrishikesh Mukherjee was born on 30 September 1922 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India.
When did Hrishikesh Mukherjee die?
Died: 27 August 2006, Mumbai (aged 83).
What is Hrishikesh Mukherjee known for?
Known for: Anand, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, Golmaal.
What honours has Hrishikesh Mukherjee received?
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1999), Padma Vibhushan (2001).
