Tulsi Ramsay (1944-2018) was an Indian director who is known for directing several horror movies during the 80s and 90s. He is considered to be the pioneer of the horror genre in Bollywood.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Tulsi Ramsay was born on Tuesday, 29 July 1941 (age 77 years; at the time of death) in Karachi, Sindh, British India. Tulsi Ramsay’s family traces its roots in Karachi. After the Partition of India, the family moved to Bombay (now Mumbai). [1]Mid-Day
Physical Appearance
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Brown
Family
Tulsi Ramsay belonged to a Sindhi-Hindu family in Karachi.
Parents & Siblings
His father, Fatechand Uttamchand (F. U.) Ramsay (deceased), was a radio engineer; however, he switched to selling fabrics to meet the expenses of his large family, which included seven sons and two daughters. Tulsi was one of the famous seven Ramsay brothers and had two sisters. The six brothers are Kumar Ramsay (eldest), Shyam Ramsay, Keshu Ramsay, Arjun Ramsay, Gangu Ramsay, and Kiran Ramsay. His sisters’ names are Asha and Kamla. [2]Mid-Day
The Ramsay family – (standing left to right) – Arjun, Kiran, Kumar, Gangu, Keshu; (sitting left to right) Tulsi, F. U. and Shyam Ramsay
Wife & Children
Tulsi Ramsay was married to Aarti (Kanta) Ramsay, the daughter of Major Gupta. His son’s name is Deepak.
Tulsi Ramsay’s son, Deepak Ramsay
Religion
Tulsi Ramsay followed Hinduism.
Career
Director
Film
In 1972, Tulsi Ramsay made his debut as a director with the horror film ‘Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche.’
Poster of the film ”Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche’ (1972)
He directed many Bollywood horror films including ‘Andhera’ (1975), ‘Darwaza’ (1978), ‘Hotel’ (1981), ‘Veerana’ (1988), ‘Purani Haveli’ (1989), ‘Bandh Darwaza’ (1990), and many more.
The poster of Ramsay’s ‘Veerana’ (1988)
The poster of ‘Bandh Darwaza’ (1990)
Television
Tulsi Ramsay directed a horror television series ‘The Zee Horror Show’ in 1993 and made his debut in directing a television series.
The poster of the television series ‘The Zee Horror Show’ (1993)
Producer
Film
Tulsi Ramsay made his debut as a producer with the film ‘3D Saamri’ in 1985. He produced many other horror films such as ‘Tahkhana’ (1986), ‘Bandh Darwaza’ (1990), and ‘Aatma’ (2006).
The poster of the film ‘Tahkhana’ (1986)
The poster of the film ‘Aatma’ (2006)
Television
Tulsi Ramsay produced ‘Nagin,’ a supernatural drama television series, in 1998.
The poster of the television series ‘Nagin’ (1998)
Production Designer
Tulsi Ramsay also worked as a production designer. He worked as a production designer for the first time for the film ‘Purana Mandir’ (1984). He worked as a production designer for two more films – ‘Na-Insaafi’ (1989) and ‘Bandh Darwaza’ (1990).
The poster of the film ‘Purana Mandir’ (1984)
Writer
According to some sources, Tulsi Ramsay wrote the story of the film ‘Inspector Dhanush’ (1991).
The poster of ‘Inspector Dhanush’ (1991)
Death
On 14 December 2018, Tulsi Kumar died at his home. Reportedly, Tulsi Ramsay was taken to the Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai as he experienced chest pain and had a heart attack. After getting back home, he passed away.
Facts/Trivia
- According to sources, Ramsay’s real surname was Ramsinghanis, which was shortened to ‘Ramsay.’ [3]Mid-Day
- Reportedly, the Ramsay family lived together at their residence on Lamington Road in Mumbai. The ground floor of the building consisted of the production office, Ramsay Films, while the family used to live on two floors above it. [4]Mid-Day
Ramsays’ residence on Lamington Road in Mumbai
- According to Tusli Ramsay’s niece, Alisha Kirpalani, Tulsi and Shyam directed the first picture in 1971, which was a Sindhi horror film, Naqli Shaan. [5]Mid-Day
- Reportedly, Tulsi Ramsay and team accidentally discovered a dead body beneath the ground while shooting for the film ‘Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche’ in 1971. In an interview, Tulsi Ramsay shared some experiences from the shoot of the film. He revealed that he once experienced the presence of a spirit as he could hear someone breathing heavily and the sounds of footsteps at 2:30 am; however, he rushed to the guesthouse a kilometre away from the shoot location and realised that the sound of breathing and footsteps were his only. [6]The Times of India
