In the realm of Hindi cinema, a select group of directors has managed to leave an enduring legacy through their films. Among these notable figures was a director active during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, who created several classic pieces of cinema. However, after experiencing a significant box office failure, he faced dire financial consequences, ultimately leading him to sell his house to settle debts.
Entertainment Desk, New Delhi. The chronicles of Indian cinema are filled with countless untold narratives that reveal the inherent risks overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of the film industry. It is not merely the actors who contribute to the making of a film; the directors and producers, often working behind the scenes, put everything on the line to realize their cinematic visions. The unpredictability of success can turn fortunes upside down in an instant, a reality that one veteran director of Hindi cinema experienced firsthand during a tumultuous period in his career.
There came a pivotal moment in the life of a director renowned for his blockbuster hits, who found his world turned upside down. M. Sadiq, the man behind the iconic film ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand,’ was living in a lavish bungalow in Pali Hill when he faced overwhelming financial strain. The esteemed director not only had to sell his beloved bungalow but also the furniture that filled it, a stark contrast to his previous success.
The Impact of a Flop Film on Finances
Recently, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recounted M. Sadiq’s challenging times during a discussion with his daughter, Pooja Bhatt. He reminisced, “We resided in Union Park, which was also home to Emraan Hashmi and his grandmother. Just across from us was M. Sadiq’s two-story bungalow. One morning, our once-quiet Pali Hill neighborhood was filled with activity as news spread about M. Sadiq’s property being sold. His financial troubles stemmed from a film that had not performed well at the box office, leading to the loss of both money and his property.”
Mother’s Concern for M. Sadiq
Mahesh Bhatt further shared an anecdote about how his mother expressed concern upon witnessing M. Sadiq in distress. He recalled, “My mother scolded me for merely watching the situation unfold. She said, ‘What are you staring at?’ When M. Sadiq’s son, Mahmood, came over to play, my mother insisted that I join them, highlighting the importance of kindness in the face of hardship. She understood the pain M. Sadiq was enduring and wanted to shield us from the humiliation he was experiencing.”
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Despite facing numerous challenges, M. Sadiq did not retreat from the film industry. He made a valiant attempt to regain his footing by directing ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’ once more, a film that ultimately restored his lost dignity and acclaim. However, in 1970, M. Sadiq relocated to Pakistan, and tragically, he passed away in 1971 before he could complete his final film, ‘Baharo Phool Barsao.’
