ईश्वरलाल

Ishwarlal (born Hariprashad Joshi, 9 October 1911 – 22 January 1969) was an Indian actor, film director, producer, and playback singer who worked in Hindi cinema from 1930 to 1966. Born in Waghania, Bombay Presidency, British India, he made his acting debut in Sheikh Chilli (1930) and went on to appear in more than 50 films over four decades, frequently taking supporting and character roles across social dramas, mythologicals, and historical films. His performance in Holi (1940) was particularly praised by contemporary critics.

Beyond acting, Ishwarlal lent his voice as a playback singer in around 14 films during the 1930s and 1940s, a period when leading actors often sang their own songs. His singing credits include the duet "Nadi Kinaara Ho Taaron Bhari Raaten" with Snehprabha Pradhan in Pyaas (1941), as well as songs in Billi (1938), Aaj Ka Hindustan (1940), Ummeed (1941), Kurbaani (1943), and Chiraagh (1943).

Ishwarlal also directed 11 films, starting with the stunt film Bombshell (1935) and later including the folk romance Sohni Mahiwal (1946), the mythological/devotional films Mahasati Tulsi Vrinda (1947) and Sati Narmada (1950), and the action film Jawan Mard (1966). He died in Bombay on 22 January 1969 at the age of 57.