Director: Shakti Samanta

Shakti Samanta was an Indian film director and producer who founded Shakti Films in 1957. He directed 43 feature films, including classics such as Howrah Bridge, Kashmir Ki Kali, Aradhana, Kati Patang, Amar Prem, and Amanush. He received three Filmfare Awards for Best Film and pioneered Hindi-Bengali bilingual productions, including the first India-Bangladesh co-production. Beginning as an assistant director, he became one of Hindi cinema’s most successful filmmakers. He also served as President of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, Chairman of the CBFC, and Chairman of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata.