Neel Kamal (1947) publicity still. Neel Kamal marked the debuts of Raj Kapoor and Madhubala in leading roles.

According to the director/producer of this film Kidar Sharma

“My sense of pride and my convictions have always forced my hand to gamble with my own fate rather than to bow to the whims of others. Neel Kamal was such a gamble. It was the birth of not only my first independent venture as  Producer Director, but I also cultivated and introduced two of the greatest discoveries to Indian films. Raj Kapoor and Madhubala. I was ridiculed for casting these unknowns in my movie. Both went on to became the most famous stars”

Raj Kapoor with his mentor Kidar Sharma

Madhubala and Kidar Sharma (1949)

I even dared to play the main lead in my movie called Neki Aur Badi. It co-starred both Geeta Bali and Madhubala. Madhubala was one of the most beautiful Indian actress. In an interview at the height of her career, she said: “Kidar Sharma always does what he makes up his mind to do. He is the only man in our money-grabbing industry who never comprised his art for the sake of wealth or importance… He is my guru and I am proud to be his disciple.” – Kidar Sharma