S. M. Abbas

S. M. Abbas at the premiere of Shriman Satyawadi with Raj Kapoor. S. M. Abbas (Syed Mohammad Abbas) was an influential Indian film director and screenwriter, particularly active during the 1960s and 1970s. He is best known for his work on several popular Bollywood films such as "Shriman Satyawadi" (1960), "Hungama" (1971), "Ek Hasina Do Diwane" (1972), and "Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan?" (1970). Abbas contributed significantly to the Indian film industry, especially in the genres of comedy and drama. His family connections also link him to notable Bollywood personalities, as his son Usman Syed is married to Radha, the younger sister of the renowned actress Rekha. His younger son, Talat, is married to the granddaughter of art director Sant Singh.

Career After graduating from Allahabad University, S. M. Abbas left for Bombay in early 1957, with a clear destination in mind: the film industry. He dreamt of being an actor. In Allahabad, he participated in several stage dramas and directed them at the locally famous cinema hall "Palace." His drama "Parda Uthaao, Parda Girao," based on Dr. Kumar Verma's play, was well received. S. M. Abbas (left) with his cast and crew of Shriman Satyawadi. In late 1957, his first film "Ek Jhalak" (starring Pradeep Kumar and Vyjayanthimala) was released. Instead of acting, he assisted director Kali Das under the pseudonym Ram Kumar. His next film was the Raj Kapoor starrer "Parvarish" in 1958, where he wrote additional dialogues and assisted the main writer Saghir Usmani, again using the name Ram Kumar.

S.M. Abbas with Kishore Kumar and Mehmood during the shoot of Hungama.

During this period, he worked on low-budget stunt movies like "Jadui Topi" and "Kaala Chashma." He also dubbed non-Hindi movies, including the well-received Russian film "Soldier's Father." After experiencing a downturn, Abbas saw an upward trend in his career. In the late 1960s, "Hasina Maan Jayegi" gave a significant boost to his writing career.

Personal life S.M. Abbas married Shamima Khatoon in 1952.They went on to have four children together.

S.M. Abbas graduated from Allahabad University. In his early days, he represented the university hockey team. His father was subedar in the British Army.

He died on April 16, 2004 in SL Raheja Hospital in Mahim. His wish was to be buried in his village, Asrawe Khurd, a village near Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Filmography