Dhundiraj Govind ‘Dadasaheb’ Phalke: Father of Indian Cinema

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Picture Courtesy: PIB

Context:

Every year on February 16, India commemorates the death anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke, the pioneer who laid the foundation of the Indian film industry. His life and work transformed cinema from a novelty into a powerful medium of storytelling, earning him the title “Father of Indian Cinema.”

Father of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke: 

Dadasaheb Phalke is widely regarded as the pioneer of Indian filmmaking for laying the foundation of the country’s film industry. In his honour, the Government of India instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969, marking his birth centenary. It is the highest recognition in Indian cinema, conferred for lifetime contribution and presented as part of the National Film Awards.

Background:

Birth and family: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke was born on April 30, 1870, at Trimbakeshwar near Nashik, Maharashtra. He belonged to a Marathi Brahmin family, and his father was a respected Sanskrit scholar, which exposed him to a strong intellectual and cultural environment from an early age.

Artistic inclination and education: Phalke showed a deep interest in drawing and visual arts during childhood. At the age of 15, he joined the Sir J.J. School of Art, Bombay. Later, he pursued further training at Kala Bhavan in Baroda, where he studied photography, painting, architecture, and other visual techniques that later shaped his filmmaking career.

Personal tragedy and turning point: After completing his training, he worked as a photographer. However, the loss of his wife and child during a plague epidemic deeply affected him, leading him to leave his job and eventually seek new creative avenues.

Career milestones:

Early professional work: Phalke worked for the Archaeological Survey of India for a brief period, gaining exposure to documentation and visual preservation.

Printing and publishing ventures: He later established a printing press using machinery imported from Germany and also ran a monthly publication. His experience in printing, design, and visual composition helped him understand storytelling through images.

Entry into cinema: Combining his artistic skills, technical knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit, Phalke went on to produce India’s first full-length feature film, laying the groundwork for a new entertainment industry. Over his lifetime, he created around 125 films, contributing significantly to the growth of Indian cinema.

Key features of Dadasaheb Phalke award: 

First recipient: The award was instituted in 1969, with actress Devika Rani as the first recipient.

Nature of the award: It includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, and is presented annually by the Government of India for lifetime achievement.

Judicial developments: In 2006, a legal dispute arose regarding eligibility criteria related to uncensored films. The matter reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of the Directorate of Film Festivals. Due to the litigation, the award for that year was announced later than usual.

Notable recognition: Cinematographer V.K. Murthy became the first cinematographer to receive the honour in 2008, highlighting the award’s inclusiveness across film professions.

Legacy:

Dadasaheb Phalke passed away on February 16, 1944, but his influence continues to shape Indian cinema. His vision transformed filmmaking into a structured creative industry in India. The award instituted in his name serves as a reminder of his pioneering efforts and enduring legacy.

In recent years, eminent personalities such as Rajinikanth have been honoured with this prestigious recognition, reflecting its status as the highest lifetime achievement award in Indian cinema.

Conclusion:

The death anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke is not only a tribute to a pioneering filmmaker but also a reminder of the vision and perseverance that gave birth to Indian cinema. His efforts transformed filmmaking into a powerful cultural and creative industry that continues to influence society and national identity. Remembering him on February 16 reinforces the importance of innovation, artistic dedication, and the preservation of India’s cinematic heritage, while inspiring future generations to carry forward his legacy of excellence.

Source: Times of India