I.S. Johar
Actor
About I.S. Johar
I.S. Johar (Indra Sen Johar) was a pioneering figure in Indian cinema who began his career in the late 1940s. His debut film 'Ek Thi Larki' (1949) marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would span over three decades. Johar quickly established himself as a versatile entertainer, excelling as an actor, writer, director, and producer. His unique brand of comedy, characterized by witty dialogues and impeccable timing, made him a household name in Indian cinema. Beyond his work in Bollywood, Johar also appeared in international productions, including British and American films, bringing Indian talent to global audiences. He was known for his ability to seamlessly transition between comic and serious roles, showcasing remarkable range as a performer. Throughout his career, he wrote and directed several successful films, further cementing his status as a multifaceted filmmaker. His contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in the comedy genre, have left an indelible mark on the industry.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his distinctive comic timing, deadpan expressions, and witty delivery. Johar specialized in playing sophisticated, slightly eccentric characters with a unique blend of humor and intelligence. His style often incorporated subtle social commentary through comedy, making him both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'Ek Thi Larki' (1949)
- Breakthrough as comic actor in the 1950s
- Directed and wrote 'Muskurahat' (1960)
- International appearance in 'Maya' (1966)
- Starred in 'Shagird' (1967)
- Appeared in 'Harry Black' (1958) and 'North West Frontier' (1959)
- Produced and directed 'Johar Mehmood in Goa' (1965)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for 'Shagird' (1967)
- Padma Shri Award (1977)
Nominated
- Filmfare Award nominations for various categories throughout the 1960s and 1970s
Special Recognition
- Padma Shri (India's fourth-highest civilian award)
- Recognized as one of India's pioneering comedy actors
- Honored at various film festivals for contributions to Indian cinema
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
I.S. Johar revolutionized comedy in Indian cinema by bringing sophistication and intelligence to comic roles. He broke away from slapstick traditions and introduced a more nuanced form of comedy that could entertain while making social observations. His international collaborations helped bridge the gap between Indian and Western cinema, paving the way for future cross-cultural productions. Johar's work demonstrated that Indian actors could succeed globally, inspiring future generations of Indian performers to seek international opportunities.
Lasting Legacy
I.S. Johar's legacy endures through his extensive filmography and the impact he had on Indian comedy. He established a template for sophisticated comedy that influenced countless actors who followed. His ability to write, direct, and act made him a true auteur of Indian cinema. The Padma Shri awarded to him recognizes his contributions not just to entertainment but to Indian culture as a whole. His films continue to be studied and appreciated for their wit, social relevance, and entertainment value.
Who They Inspired
Johar influenced multiple generations of Indian comedians who adopted his style of intelligent, situational comedy. His success in international films showed that Indian actors could have global careers, influencing actors like Irrfan Khan and Om Puri. His approach to combining comedy with social commentary inspired filmmakers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee. The Johar brand of comedy continues to influence contemporary Indian web series and films.
Off Screen
I.S. Johar was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Rama Johar, with whom he had children. After her passing, he married actress Minoo Mumtaz. Johar was known for his intellectual pursuits outside of cinema, including writing and political commentary. He maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public fame.
Education
Educated in Lahore before partition; completed his schooling at DAV College, Lahore
Family
- Rama Johar (until her death)
- Minoo Mumtaz (later years)
Did You Know?
- Despite being known for comedy, he was highly educated and well-read
- Spoke multiple languages fluently including Hindi, Urdu, English, and Punjabi
- Was one of the first Indian actors to regularly appear in international productions
- Wrote an autobiography titled 'An Autobiography' published in 1983
- His son Anil Johar also entered the film industry
- Often played characters older than his actual age
- Was known for his improvisational skills on set
- Maintained friendships with many international actors and directors
- His comedy style influenced the British comedy series 'The Goodies'
- Was offered roles in Hollywood but preferred to focus on Indian cinema
In Their Own Words
Comedy is not about making faces; it's about understanding the absurdity of life
If you can make people laugh, you can make them think
Cinema should reflect society, not just escape from it
The best comedy comes from truth, not from tricks
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was I.S. Johar?
I.S. Johar (Indra Sen Johar) was a pioneering Indian actor, director, writer, and producer who revolutionized comedy in Indian cinema from the 1940s through the 1980s. He was known for his sophisticated comic timing and appeared in both Indian and international films, earning the Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian cinema.
What films is I.S. Johar best known for?
I.S. Johar is best known for his debut film 'Ek Thi Larki' (1949), the comedy classic 'Shagird' (1967), 'Muskurahat' (1960), and international productions like 'Maya' (1966) and 'Harry Black' (1958). He also gained fame for his collaborations with Mehmood in films like 'Johar Mehmood in Goa' (1965).
When was I.S. Johar born and when did he die?
I.S. Johar was born on February 16, 1920, in Talagang, Punjab (now in Pakistan), and passed away on March 10, 1984, in Mumbai, India, at the age of 64. His career spanned 35 years from his debut in 1949 until his death.
What awards did I.S. Johar win?
I.S. Johar won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for 'Shagird' (1967) and was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 1977 for his contributions to Indian cinema and arts.
What was I.S. Johar's acting style?
I.S. Johar's acting style was characterized by sophisticated, intelligent comedy with impeccable timing and deadpan delivery. He specialized in playing eccentric, witty characters and was known for incorporating subtle social commentary into his comic roles, moving beyond slapstick to create more nuanced humor.
Did I.S. Johar work in international films?
Yes, I.S. Johar was one of the first Indian actors to have significant roles in international productions. He appeared in British films like 'Harry Black' (1958), 'North West Frontier' (1959), and the American film 'Maya' (1966), helping pave the way for future Indian actors in global cinema.
What was I.S. Johar's contribution beyond acting?
Beyond acting, I.S. Johar was a successful writer, director, and producer. He wrote and directed films like 'Muskurahat' (1960) and produced several successful comedies. His multifaceted contributions to Indian cinema helped establish him as one of the most versatile filmmakers of his generation.
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Films
1 film
