Person of the day : Dadasaheb Phalke

Dadasaheb Phalke

Also Known As: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke

Famous As: Father Of Indian Cinema

Nationality: Indian

Birthday: April 30, 1870

Died At Age: 73

Sun Sign: Taurus

Born In: Tryambakeshwar, Bombay Presidency

Died On: February 16, 1944

Place Of Death: Nasik

Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, famously known as Dadasaheb Phalke, was a renowned Indian filmmaker and screenwriter, popularly dubbed as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’. From an early age, he was artistic in nature and displayed great interest in the creative arts. He pursued arts for completing his graduation and later took up various jobs such as that of a photographer and a draftsman. He also tried setting up his printing business but closed it down when problems arose with his partner. The turning point in his life came when he saw a silent film and was deeply moved by its poignancy. He decided to become a filmmaker and viewed it as his mission to present Indian mythological characters on the moving picture screen. Eventually he released the first full length Indian motion picture, ‘Raja Harishchandra’, the most important milestone in Indian cinematic history. His persistent faith and pioneering efforts laid the foundation of Indian cinema. He was a visionary who foresaw the potential of the film medium and also made people realize its cultural and financial worth. Through his relentless commitment and earnest efforts, cinema has become an inevitable part of Indian culture in today’s world. Named after him, the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’ is the most prestigious award in the realm of Indian cinema which is bestowed every year to honor distinguished contribution to the film medium.

Childhood and Early Life

He was born on April 30, 1870 at Tryambakeshwar, Maharashtra, India into a Marathi Brahmin family. His father was a proficient Sanskrit scholar.

He received his early education from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai in 1885. In 1890, he 
completed his school education and then attended the Kala Bhavan in Baroda.

He learnt about sculpture, engineering, drawing, painting and photography in Kala Bhavan.

Major Works :

His most remarkable and unprecedented contribution to the world was Indian cinema. His debut film, ‘Raja Harishchandra’ (1913), a work based on Hindu mythology, is considered to be India's first full-length motion picture which laid the foundation of filmmaking in India.

Personal life and Legacy:

He married his first wife in 1885 but unfortunately she died in 1900. Later he married 
Saraswatabai and raised a family with her. His wife was very supportive of his profession.

He passed away on February 16, 1944, in Nashik, Bombay, British India, at the age of 73.

In recognition of his lifetime contribution to the Indian cinema, the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’ was instituted in 1969 by the India government. The prestigious award is the highest official recognition for film personalities in India and is presented annually by the president of India for remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.