Nostalgic Nuggets: When a classical singer became a film director

When it was not the trend in vogue, this film director was known to have introduced it. Raj Khosla, (credited for introducing the classic actress WaheedaRehman into Hindi cinema with the film CID in 1956) is known for his 'woman-centric films' and the neo-noir genre which was hardly known three decades ago.

Though he did not make it big as a classical singer, his films stood out for its song picturisations till the last. He is remembered for giving Dharmendra – Vinod Khanna combination their biggest hit with 'MeraGaonMeraDesh', a dacoit drama released nearly 50 years ago in 1971. In 1984, it was the turn of Sunny Deol, Dharmendra's son to be featured in a film titled ' Arjun' known for its songs, composed by the evergreen composer R D Burman.

A crime thriller specialist, Raj Khosla had one of his career's biggest hits in 1978 – Main TulsiTereAangan Ki – a family drama. It's Khosla's 29th death anniversary today.