Shakti Samanta was an Indian film director and producer. He was the owner of the production house Shakti Films, which established in 1957. He is well known for his works in films Howrah Bridge (1959), China Town (1962), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), An Evening in Paris (1967), Kati Patang (1971) and Amar Prem (1972). He was the recipient of the Filmfare Awards for Best Film for Aradhana (1969), Anuraag (1973) and Amanush (1975). He later directed films like Mehbooba (1976), The Great Gambler (1979), Barsaat Ki Ek Raat (1981) and Dushman (1990). Shakti Samanta passed away in April 2009.