Chandramohan
Appears in 25 titles

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.

Filmography

Pukar
6.6
Pukar
1939
as Shahenshaah Jehangir
Amrit Manthan
6.0
Amrit Manthan
1934
as Rajguru
Humayun
5.5
Humayun
1945
as Rajkumar Randhir
Dharmatma
7.5
Dharmatma
1935
as Mahant
Shaheed
7.5
Shaheed
1948
as Seth Rai Bahadur Dwarkadas
Amar Jyoti
8.0
Amar Jyoti
1936
as Durjaya
Shakuntala
10.0
Shakuntala
1943
as King Dushyanta
Mumtaz Mahal
8.0
Mumtaz Mahal
1944
as Emperor Shah Jahan
Bharosa
7.0
Bharosa
1940
as Rasik
10.0
Geeta
1940
as Shankar/Mohan
Fashion
7.0
Fashion
1943
as Yusuf
Apna Ghar
10.0
Apna Ghar
1942
as Narendra
Roti
7.0
Roti
1942
as Laxmidas
Taqdeer
9.0
Taqdeer
1943
as Justice Jamunaprasad
Raunaq
10.0
Raunaq
1944
Ramayani
9.0
Ramayani
1945
Naukar
10.0
Naukar
1943
as Fazlu
Nursemaid Panna
9.0
Nursemaid Panna
1945
as Banbir
Shalimar
8.0
Shalimar
1946
as Emperor Jehangir
Ram Baan
8.0
Ram Baan
1948
as Ravan