The history of Indian cinema is adorned with legendary filmmakers, but few have shaped the image of Bollywood’s leading men quite like Nasir Hussain. Despite his significant contributions, he remains one of the most underappreciated filmmakers in the industry. Known for his breezy musical entertainers, romance-infused narratives, and trendsetting storytelling, Hussain played a pivotal role in defining the onscreen personas of Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor—two of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.

While Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor were immensely talented, their careers skyrocketed after starring in Hussain’s films, which cemented their distinct styles—Dev Anand as the charming, fast-talking, stylish lover, and Shammi Kapoor as the rebellious, energetic, flamboyant heartthrob. The way we remember these stars today is largely because of how Nasir Hussain envisioned and presented them on screen.

Who Was Nasir Hussain?
Born in 1926 in Bhopal, Nasir Hussain grew up with a deep love for cinema and storytelling. After completing his education at Aligarh Muslim University, he moved to Mumbai and began his career in the film industry. Starting as a writer for Filmistan Studios, Hussain quickly gained recognition for his knack for crafting lighthearted, engaging stories that resonated with audiences.

His first major breakthrough came as a writer for Anarkali (1953) and Munimji (1955), both of which were major hits. However, it was his directorial debut, Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), that cemented his reputation as a filmmaker who understood youth, romance, and music better than most. From there, he went on to shape the landscape of Bollywood’s musical entertainers, directing and producing some of the most iconic films of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

His career spanned multiple decades, and while he eventually transitioned to mentoring the next generation of filmmakers—including his nephew Mansoor Khan, who directed Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)—his early work continues to be his most influential.

Nasir Hussain and Dev Anand: The Birth of the Suave Romantic Hero
Dev Anand was already an established actor, but it was Nasir Hussain who honed his image into the quintessential smooth-talking, debonair lover with impeccable style and effortless charm. The two worked together on:

Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
While the film ultimately starred Shammi Kapoor, it was initially written for Dev Anand. The stylish, Westernized hero—a trope later popularized by Hussain—was meant to be Dev’s role, but he couldn’t commit due to scheduling conflicts.

Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961)
This film was a defining moment for Dev Anand, showcasing him as the modern, flirtatious, yet sincere romantic hero. Paired opposite Asha Parekh, Dev’s character was lighthearted yet deeply emotional, a balance that became a staple in Nasir Hussain’s storytelling. The film’s music by Shankar-Jaikishan, including the evergreen hit “Jiya O Jiya O Jiya Kuch Bol Do”, further established his charming, carefree image.

Hussain’s style of filmmaking, which blended humor, romance, and catchy music, fit perfectly with Dev Anand’s persona. He reinforced Dev’s signature mannerisms—his rapid-fire dialogue delivery, stylish hair flips, and effortless charm—traits that became synonymous with the superstar.

Nasir Hussain and Shammi Kapoor: The Birth of the Rebellious Rockstar
Shammi Kapoor’s transformation from a struggling actor into Bollywood’s ultimate rock-n-roll hero is largely credited to Nasir Hussain. Before Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Shammi was trying to establish himself but had yet to find his signature style. Hussain changed that forever.

Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
Originally written for Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor took the role and completely reinvented himself. With a slicked-back hairstyle, stylish Western clothes, and boundless energy, Shammi became India’s answer to Elvis Presley. His energetic dance moves, over-the-top romantic gestures, and playful dialogue delivery made the film a massive hit and gave birth to the Shammi Kapoor persona we know today. The song “Sar Par Topi Laal”, composed by O.P. Nayyar, further reinforced his vibrant, youthful image.

Dil Deke Dekho (1959)
If Tumsa Nahin Dekha introduced Shammi Kapoor’s new image, Dil Deke Dekho solidified it. Pairing him with Asha Parekh in her debut, Nasir Hussain fine-tuned Shammi’s musical, flamboyant lover-boy image. The film’s peppy songs by Usha Khanna, including “Dil Deke Dekho Dil Deke Dekho”, made it clear that Shammi Kapoor was now Bollywood’s new-age romantic hero.

Teesri Manzil (1966)
Perhaps the most iconic film in Nasir Hussain’s filmography, Teesri Manzil elevated Shammi Kapoor’s persona to a cult level. Blending mystery, romance, and music, the film was an absolute game-changer. Shammi’s stylish swagger, his intense yet playful chemistry with Asha Parekh, and R.D. Burman’s electrifying soundtrack (including “O Haseena Zulfon Wali” and “Tumne Mujhe Dekha”) turned him into the ultimate rock-n-roll star.

By this time, Shammi Kapoor was no longer just an actor—he was a phenomenon, and much of that success can be traced back to Nasir Hussain’s vision.

Nasir Hussain: The Architect of Bollywood’s Musical Blockbusters
Beyond shaping Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor’s screen personas, Nasir Hussain revolutionized Bollywood’s musical romance genre. His films were the blueprint for what we now recognize as the quintessential Bollywood masala movie—a trend that influenced filmmakers for generations.

His ability to combine catchy music, romance, and youthful rebellion gave Indian cinema a fresh identity in the 1950s and 60s. His collaborations with music composers like O.P. Nayyar, Shankar-Jaikishan, and R.D. Burman created some of the most memorable soundtracks in Bollywood history.

Why Nasir Hussain Deserves More Recognition
Despite being one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, Nasir Hussain remains underappreciated. His films set trends, launched careers, and defined eras, yet his contributions are often overshadowed by the stars he helped create.

Without Hussain’s vision, we might not remember Dev Anand as the effortlessly cool, stylish lover or Shammi Kapoor as the wild, rebellious rockstar. He didn’t just make films—he built legends.

In an industry where directors are often remembered for their grand, artistic storytelling, Hussain’s fun, musical, and trendsetting approach to filmmaking is often overlooked. However, his impact on Bollywood is undeniable. His ability to shape the personas of two of India’s biggest stars is proof of his genius.

It’s time we celebrate Nasir Hussain for what he truly was—a pioneer, a visionary, and the man who redefined Bollywood’s leading men.

JPS Nagi
March 23, 2025