MUMBAI: The Indian Peoples Theatres Association, Film Writers Association and Cine and Television artistes associations came together on 1 June 2007 to commemorate the 93rd birthday and 20th death anniversary of filmmaker Khwaja Ahmed Abbas (popularly known as K A Abbas).

Among those present on the occasion were his partner Manmohan Sabir, veteran actors Chandrashekhar and Nimmi, writers Ved Rahi and Imtiaz Hussain.

Abbas started off as a crime reporter in the Bombay Chronicle (BC) and went on to write film reviews. After BC ceased publication in 1946, he, at the behest of Blitz editor R K Karanjia wrote the last page ‘Abdul Qalam’ for its Hindi and Urdu editions till his last days.

Abbas first scripted Doctor Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani for V Shantaram. In 1940, he wrote Naya Sansar for Bombay Talkies. He then wrote and directed critically acclaimed Dharti Ke Lal and Aaj Aur Kal, which did not do well. He even wrote Awara, Shree 420, Jaagte Raho, Boot Polish, Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, Heena for the R K banner. In 1951, he started his own banner and made Anhonee, starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis, which was a box-office grosser. Then followed Rahi (Dev Anand, Nalini Jaywant, Balraj Sahni), Munna, Pardesi, Char Dil Char Rahen with stars like Raj Kapoor, Meena Kumari, Ajit, Nimmi, Shammi Kapoor, Kum Kum and others; Shahar Aur Sapna, Hamara Ghar, Aasmaan Mahal, Bumbai Raat Ki Bahon Mein and others.

In 1967, he introduced Amitabh Bachchan in Saat Hindustani. In 1969, his film Do Boond Paani received National Award for the best film on National Integration.