Dadasaheb Phalke was a legendary Filmmaker. He was known as the father of Indian Cinema. Apart from a filmmaker, he was a celebrated producer and screenwriter. On his 148th birth anniversary, Google is paying tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke through its Doodle. Dadasaheb Phalke had given it first ever silent film “Raja Harishchandra” to the industry. It is recognized as India’s first ever full-length feature film. Other memorable movies made by him are “Mohini Bhasmasur”, “Satyavan Savitri” and “Kaliya Mardan”. Have a look on his life.
Born on 30 April 1870 in Trymbakeshwar in Maharashtra, Dadasaheb Phalke started his career as a photographer in Godhra. He studied in the JJ School of Art in Mumbai in 1885. Later, he had joined Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara where he studied sculpture, engineering, drawing, painting and photography.
He had worked with the Archaeological Survey of India. He was running a printing press before turning to the films. He had never thought of making films but a dispute with business partners and a viewing of the silent film “The Life of Christ” changed his life and he created a silent film for India. He had contributed 19 years of his life to cinema and made 95 movies and 27 short films. He died in Nashik on 16 February 1944.
Awards and Honours
The Government of India honoured him by instituting the Dadasaheb Phalke award, which is one of the most prestigious awards in Indian cinema and the highest official recognition for film personalities in India. The award is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony.
Google Doodle
Today’s Doodle is perfectly portraying the legendary filmmaker. The picture shows the young Phalke directing actors, wielding the camera and editing film.
