Esmayeel Shroff
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Oct 28, 2022: The Times of India
Film director Esmayeel Shroff, who delivered a clutch of box-office winners such as ‘Thodisi Bewafaii’ and ‘Bulundi’ in the 1980s and who gave opportunities to a bunch of newcomers, notably Govinda (Love 86) and Kunal Kapoor (Ahista Ahista), passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, reports Avijit Ghosh. Shroff made his debut as a director with ‘Agar’ (1977), a suspense thriller starring Amol Palekar and Zarina Wahab. The film flopped but Shroff’s stock soared after he showcased his felicity in handling a variety of themes. ‘Thodisi Bewafaii’ (1980), a silver jubilee hit which he also wrote, was a conservative family social.
Bulundi (1981) displayed his flair for creating engrossing action drama. ‘Ahista Ahista’ was a sub-par critique of the Devdasi system, with elements of youthful romance. Nonetheless, the TOIwrote in its film review, “the director does display a rare grasp of the medium, knowing exactly when to cut away from a scene. ” Tinsel town was also impressed by Shroff’s ability to extract remarkably restrained performances from the flamboyant Raaj Kumar (Bulundi) and the mannerism-ridden Rajesh Khanna (Thodisi Bewafaii).
Shroff also had a keen ear for music and lyrics. His films were often enriched by Khayyam’s tender melodies that continue to be played on retro radio shows. Apart from the title track, ‘Thodisi Bewafaii’ (lyrics: Gulzar) had the irresistibly romantic number, ‘Aankhon mein humne aapke sapne sajaye hain’ and the wistful ‘Aaj bichhde hain’.