Dundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, was a pioneering Indian filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter who is revered as the “Father of Indian Cinema”. Born on April 30, 1870, in Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik, Maharashtra, Phalke was a true visionary who single-handedly laid the foundation of the Indian film industry.
Phalke studied from Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai and later at the Kalabhavan in Baroda. Before entering into cinema, Phalke was a man of many trades. He worked as a photographer, a lithographer, a magician, and even worked for the Archeological Survey of India.
The Turning Point in 1910
Phalke’s journey into filmmaking began when he watched the silent French film “The Life of Christ” in 1910, at the America-India Picture Palace in Mumbai. It inspired him to create Indian images on screen. He envisioned Hindu deities like Krishna and Rama on the big screen, sparking his passion to make Indian films.
Raja Harishchandra (1913)
Life of the Christ made an indelible mark in the mind of Phalke and he decided to travel to London to learn the technicalities of filmmaking and purchased a camera and printing machine from his meagre resources. To fulfill his dreams he sold his wife Saraswatibai Phalke jewelry.
His dream comes true on May 3, 1913 when he released India’s full-length feature film “Raja Harishchandra.” Phalke’s debut film, “Raja Harishchandra”, starring Dattatraya Damodar Dabke and Anna Salunke, was a massive success and paved the way for the Indian film industry. It was a silent film.
The film’s innovative use of trick photography and special effects was remarkable for its time. Since women were not allowed to act in those days, the female role of Taramati was played by a male actor, Anna Salunke. In this movie Phalke handled almost every department-writing, directing, casting, set designing, and editing.
Contributions and Achievements
- Produced India’s first full-length feature film, “Raja Harishchandra” (1913)
- Founded Phalke Films Company, India’s first film production company
- Directed over 95 feature films and 27 short films, including classics like Satyavan Savitri and Kaliya Mardan.
- Introduced innovative techniques like trick photography and special effects
- Established the Hindustan Cinema Film Company in Nashik
- He introduced the use of stop-motion animation and special effects in mythological films like Lanka Dahan (1917).
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 1969
Dadasaheb Phalke’s contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable. He is remembered as a pioneer who brought Indian stories to the big screen, inspiring generations of filmmakers. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema, was instituted in 1969 to recognize his outstanding contributions. A postage stamp bearing his likeness was released by India Post in 1971.
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