Umesh Mehra is a renowned filmmaker in Bollywood, having directed numerous blockbuster movies during the 1980s and 1990s. He is the son of F.C. Mehra, a prominent Bollywood producer, who established Eagle Films in 1954 and produced films like 'Professor', 'Lal Patthar', and 'Amrapali', which was an Oscar entry.
Umesh's father, F.C. Mehra, was a pioneer in the Indian film industry, and his legacy continued through his son. Umesh made his debut in the film industry by directing 'Ali Baba and 40 Chor' in 1980, an Indo-Soviet co-production starring Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Zeenat Aman. The film was a box-office success and a costume drama like no other.
Inspired by 'Mughal-E-Azam', Umesh directed veteran actor Dilip Kumar in 'Qila' in 1998, marking Dilip Kumar's retirement from acting. Although 'Qila' was a flop, Umesh had directed Akshay Kumar in three films in the Khiladi series: 'Sabse Bada Khiladi' (1995),'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi' (1996),and 'International Khiladi' (1999).
Umesh was instrumental in launching Akshay Kumar's career and gave him a lot of backing during his struggling days. He also directed many successful films with Mithun Chakraborty, including 'Ashanti' (1982),'Mujrim' (1989),and 'Yaar Gaddar' (1994).
Umesh launched music director Anu Malik in his film 'Sohni Mahiwal' in 1984, which was Sunny Deol's second film with Poonam Dhillon. Even today, critics find Anu Malik's composition in 'Sohni Mahiwal' as one of his best.
Umesh also tried to adapt the Hollywood film 'Blue Lagoon' in his Hindi remake 'Teri Baahon Mein', which gave chances to Mohnish Bahl and Ayesha Jhulka to start their careers in Bollywood. Umesh quit filmmaking after 2002 and entered the world of TV production.
Umesh Mehra has two daughters, Priyanka Pahuja and Nishita Mehra. Nishita was an assistant director in the TV serial 'Zabaan Sambhaal Ke' and later married Pushkar Khurana and settled in Dubai, U.A.E.
