“Cinema Meant Everything to My Father”: Raj Khosla’s Daughter Remembers the Iconic Filmmaker

As the film industry marks the 100th birth anniversary of legendary director Raj Khosla, his daughter Sunita Bhalla reflects on his deep love for cinema and his enduring dedication to the craft. “Cinema meant everything to my father,” she said, recalling how he remained creatively involved with filmmaking until the very end of his life.

Khosla, whose career spanned over three decades, is remembered as one of Hindi cinema’s foremost storytellers. With iconic films like C.I.D. (1956), Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Mera Saaya (1966), Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), and Dostana (1980), he carved a niche for himself in the genres of suspense, drama, and romance.

Sunita, the second of his five daughters, shared memories of her father’s close professional and personal relationships with stalwarts like Guru Dutt, Dev Anand, and Vijay Anand — names that defined the golden era of Hindi cinema alongside Khosla.

While his films continue to inspire generations, Sunita noted that legacy was never a subject of discussion at home. “He never spoke about legacy or how he wanted to be remembered. He just loved making films,” she said.

To honor his centenary, a special retrospective of his restored films is being held in Mumbai, reintroducing his celebrated work to new audiences and rekindling appreciation among longtime fans. The event serves as a tribute to a man who lived and breathed cinema, and whose stories continue to captivate hearts even today.