Chandramohan

Biography

Chandramohan (1905–1949) was one of the most compelling and charismatic actors of early Indian cinema, known for his piercing eyes, expressive intensity, and command over dialogue delivery. Born in Narayangaon, Maharashtra, he began his film career with Amrit Manthan (1934), directed by V. Shantaram, where his performance as a scheming high priest instantly established him as a powerful screen presence. His aristocratic features and theatrical background made him a natural fit for historical and mythological roles.

He became a mainstay in major productions throughout the 1930s and 40s, notably in Pukar (1939), where he played Emperor Jehangir with a complex blend of authority and humanity. Chandramohan was often cast in morally ambiguous or villainous roles, yet he brought a rare psychological depth to each character—whether as a tortured prince, a tyrant, or a tragic antihero. His performances in Roti (1942), Humayun (1945), and Shaheed (1948) are especially remembered for their theatrical elegance and emotional resonance.

Despite his immense talent, Chandramohan’s life was marred by personal struggles, including alcoholism, which led to his untimely death at the age of 44. He left behind a relatively small but deeply influential body of work, and is still regarded as one of the finest character actors of his era—one whose dramatic flair and intense gaze left an indelible mark on early Indian cinema.

Known For

Pukar

Amrit Manthan

Amar Jyoti

Humayun

Shakuntala

Mumtaz Mahal

Bharosa

Geeta

Fashion

Dharmatma

Filmography

1948 Ram Baan

as Ravan

1948 Shaheed

as Seth Rai Bahadur Dwarkadas

1946 Shalimar

as Emperor Jehangir

1945 Humayun

as Rajkumar Randhir

1945 Nursemaid Panna

as Banbir

1945 Ramayani

1944 Mumtaz Mahal

as Emperor Shah Jahan

1944 Raunaq

1943 Fashion

as Yusuf

1943 Naukar

as Fazlu

1943 Taqdeer

as Justice Jamunaprasad

1943 Shakuntala

as King Dushyanta

1942 Roti

as Laxmidas

1942 Jhankar

1942 Apna Ghar

as Narendra

1940 Geeta

as Shankar/Mohan

1940 Bharosa

as Rasik

1939 Pukar

as Shahenshaah Jehangir

1938 Jwala

as Angar

1936 Amar Jyoti

as Durjaya