S. M. Abbas

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.



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. 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.

The big break came in 1960-61 with "Shriman Satyavadi," considered by some, including himself, to be his best directorial venture.

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, their names are Usman Syed, Yasmin Abbas, Talat Syed and Ghizala Saad Niaz. He has 10 grandchildren as well. 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 passed away 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.