Between 1951 and 1970 , there was a decline in film production with only fifty-five films produced during this period . '' Malela Jeev '' ( 1956 ) was directed by Manhar Raskapur based on the novel of same name by Pannalal Patel which was scripted by the novelist himself . Raskapur and producer-actor Champshibhai Nagda produced several films including : '' Jogidas Khuman '' ( 1948 ) , '' Kahyagaro Kanth '' ( 1950 ) , '' Kanyadan '' ( 1951 ) , '' Mulu Manek '' ( 1955 ) , '' Malela Jeev '' ( 1956 ) , '' Kadu Makrani '' ( 1960 ) , '' Mehndi Rang Lagyo '' ( 1960 ) , '' Jogidas Kuman '' ( 1962 ) , '' Akhand Saubhagyavati '' ( 1963 ) and '' Kalapi '' ( 1966 ) . '' Akhand Saubhagyavati '' was the first Gujarati film financed by the Film Finance Corporation ( now the National Film Development Corporation ) and starred Asha Parekh in the lead role . '' Kanku '' ( 1969 ) , directed by Kantilal Rathod , was based on the short story by Pannalal Patel originally written in 1936 and later expanded into a novel in 1970 . '' Kanku '' won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati at the 17th National Film Awards , and its actress Pallavi Mehta won an award at the Chicago International Film Festival
17th National Film Awards
17th National Film Awards
Gujarati cinema