Mehra started his journey in the industry as a production controller in the late 1950s but he switched to direction with 'Haseena Maan Jayegi' in 1968. However, Mehra's first success came in 1971 with 'Mela'. The movie brought together the Khan brothers -- Feroz Khan and Sanjay Khan -- for the first time on silver screen.
The director’s most memorable work was with superstar Amitabh Bachchan. The Mehra-Bachchan duo, which began with ‘Zanjeer’ in early 70s, gave the industry seven movies of which six were mega-hits, including 'Muqaddar Ka Sikander', Lawaaris , 'Namak Halal', 'Sharabi' and 'Hera Pheri', apart from 'Zanjeer'. Their last movie together was 'Jadugar' in 1989 which was a flop.
He also directed Anil Kapoor in 'Zindagi Ek Jua' in 1991 but the film didn't do well at the box-office.
In 1996, he introduced veteran actor Raaj Kumar's son Puru Raajkumar with 'Bal Brahmachari'. It bombed at the box-office. This was his last film as a director. In mid-1990s, he produced 'Dalaal' with Mithun Chakraborty, which was a commercial success.
Mehra was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement award from the India Motion Picture Directors Association (IMPDA) in 2006 for his commendable contribution to the industry as a Director.
Two years later, in 2008, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award from the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association for his role as a Producer.
Mehra's health declined after his wife slipped into a coma. His conditioned further worsened after his wife's death. He was in the ICU and on ventilator because of his failing lungs and an infection.
He passed away on May 17, 2009 after a prolonged illness at the age of 69.
Shahrukh Khan joins Priyanka Chopra for Don 2 premiere in Berlin
