Mehboob Studios: A Timeless Pillar of Indian Cinema

Introduction

Mehboob Studios, based in Bandra, Mumbai, is one of the most well-known names in Indian cinema history. Founded in 1954 by the legendary director Mehboob Khan, the studio has been a hub for some of India’s most iconic films. Through the years, it has not only seen the growth of Bollywood but also kept pace with the times when filmmaking, photography, and digital content creation evolved.

In a city famous for being the hub of India’s film industry, Mehboob Studios has managed to maintain its cultural significance as well as remain operational and current.

Establishment of Mehboob Studios

Mehboob Studios was founded by director and producer Mehboob Khan, who was a doyen of socially conscious cinema. He was the creator of the National Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Mother India (1957).

Mehboob Khan had been working under different banners, such as Sagar Movietone and National Studios, before starting his studio. Following immense success, Mehboob set up Mehboob Productions and established the foundation of Mehboob Studios.

The concept was to create a specialised unit where production, direction, and post-production could all be carried out under the same roof. This was a forward-thinking step at a time when studios tended to be rented or periodically built.

Location and Infrastructure

Mehboob Studios is located in Bandra (West), a seaside suburb of Mumbai. The studio spans about two acres of ground and is situated near Carter Road, a famous promenade. The proximity provides the studio with convenient access to both artists and technicians who live in the western suburbs.

The studio contains several shooting floors, such as huge soundproof halls, makeup rooms, changing rooms, administrative offices, and open spaces utilised for temporary set construction. It also contains storage rooms for the costumes and props, lighting equipment, and catering facilities for on-site crews.

The primary studio areas are versatile and have accommodated anything from song sequences and action sequences to interviews and reality segments.

Significant Movies Filmed at Mehboob Studios

Mehboob Studios has been the venue for several significant movies over the years. In the 1950s and 60s, it was utilised in large numbers by Mehboob Khan and other directors from his production company. Post his death, the studio became a gateway for other filmmakers as well, and it later turned into a key shooting point for Bollywood.

Some of the popular films and productions that have been filmed here include:

• Mother India (1957)
• Amar (1954)
• Son of India (1962)
• Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) by Guru Dutt
• Bobby (1973) by Raj Kapoor
• Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994) by Sooraj Barjatya
• Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
• Dhoom 2 (2006)
• Dabangg (2010)

The studio has been utilised not only by film directors but also by television shoot directors, ad film directors, music directors, and event managers, thus making it a multi-faceted property.

Mehboob Studios in the Digital Media Era

Over the past few years, digital content and social media have revolutionised the operation of studios. Mehboob Studios evolved with this transformation by providing facilities for TV shows, brand shoots, fashion shoots, and the production of streaming content.

With the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar venturing into the Indian market, Mehboob Studios started providing rental services to individual producers, agencies, and content creators. High-profile interviews, film promotions, and reality show auditions are now a common occurrence at the studio.

The space is often utilised by fashion photographers for magazine covers, celebrity portfolios, and ad campaigns. Since it’s situated centrally and carries historical importance, Mehboob Studios continues to be a favourite among production teams and photographers.

Cultural Festivals and Events

Apart from movie shoots, Mehboob Studios is also famous for the cultural events, art shows, music launches, and literature festivals it hosts. The open areas and expansive halls qualify it for hosting exhibitions as well as public functions.

One of the most popular events held within the studio is the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) Film Festival, which has utilised the space for special screenings, press gatherings, and panel discussions.

Music festivals, benefit auctions, and exclusive brand launches also occur on the premises. Various musicians, artists, and writers have also, over the years, picked Mehboob Studios as a venue for performance and conversation.

Influence on Popular Culture and Film

Mehboob Studios occupies a symbolic position in the memory of the Indian film world. It is a reminder of a time when the studio was a family-owned, creative space. In contrast to corporate establishments nowadays, these studios had their own personality. For Mehboob Studios, that personality was one moulded by the values of its founder: dedication to quality, discipline, and socially conscious cinema.

The studio is regularly discussed in interviews and memoirs of actors, directors, and technicians who have worked there. From classic actors such as Nargis and Dilip Kumar to today’s stars, including Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, many have shot the pivotal moments of their careers on these floors.

In addition, the façade of Mehboob Studios is often seen in behind-the-scenes coverage and film documentaries. It has become a recognisable element of Mumbai’s film geography.

Problems Encountered by the Studio

Similar to most studios of the past, Mehboob Studios suffered from a number of challenges. With the advent of new production houses and outdoor shoots, the need for in-studio shooting declined gradually. Real estate pressure in Mumbai also threatened to destroy studios occupying prime land.

There were also rumours over the years that the studio was being considered for redevelopment, but the family that owned Mehboob Studios refused to sell or tear down the building. The goal has been to maintain the studio as a place where artists can work and as a cultural icon.

Maintenance and modernisation were some of the areas in which the studio had to spend. Though it still maintains its old-world character, attempts have been made to improve lighting facilities, sound equipment, and air conditioning to suit industry requirements.

Management and Ownership of Mehboob Studios

Following the death of Mehboob Khan in 1964, the studio was taken over by his family. His son, Iqbal Khan, actively played a role in running the studio and Mehboob Productions. The family has remained steadfast in following the vision of the founder and keeping the studio operational for public access.

They have also avoided converting the land into a commercial complex or residential tower, as has happened with other Mumbai studios, including RK Studios in Chembur. This move has preserved the studio’s cultural and historical value.

Legacy of Mehboob Khan

Mehboob Khan’s contribution to Indian cinema extends beyond the establishment of a physical studio. His films had a strong message regarding social justice, gender roles, and class conflict. Through Mehboob Studios, he established a platform where such stories could be constructed with the required artistic and technical expertise.

His best-known movie, Mother India, is still taught in film schools and debated among academicians. The film was produced partly at Mehboob Studios and marked a peak period in the history of the studio.

In a way, Mehboob Studios is a continuation of the man’s film philosophy. It is a testimonial to an era when cinema was entertainment and social commentary combined.

Studio as a Tourist Landmark

Although Mehboob Studios is not formally open for guided tours, its iconic nature draws film enthusiasts, students, and tourists. Individuals tend to go to the front of the studio hoping to see actors or current shoots in progress. Since it’s located in Bandra, the studio also falls under various celebrity home tours conducted by local tour operators.

The name of the studio on the big front gate has been a photo point, and it still appears on social media sites and fan sites.

Current Relevance

In the dynamic world of cinema, studios need to remain current by adapting. Mehboob Studios has adapted by broadening its application and making its space available for more than movies. It is now a multipurpose facility accommodating a range of content generation requirements.

Producers still prefer Mehboob Studios because of its privacy, central location, and dependability. Though newer studios have the latest technology, most artists prefer the veteran routine and familiarity that Mehboob Studios offers.

It has maintained this position not merely due to nostalgia, but also due to its utility to current productions.

Conclusion

Mehboob Studios is more than a brick-and-light structure. It is a living institution in Indian cinema. It has been through more than 70 years of change, learning to adapt with changing trends in film, television, and digital media.

While the physical space remains relatively unchanged, its function within the industry has shifted. From filming classics such as Mother India to being a destination for music videos, talk shows, and online campaigns, Mehboob Studios remains active in India’s creative ecosystem.

Its legacy, built by Mehboob Khan and sustained by his family, remains a valuable part of Mumbai’s film heritage. As the entertainment world moves forward, Mehboob Studios stands as a reminder of the past and a platform for the future.