Dadasaheb Phalke
Indian film producer, director and screenwriter (1870–1944)
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Key Takeaways
- Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Pronunciation: [d̪ʱuɳɖiɾaːd͡ʒ pʰaːɭke]; 30 April 1870 – 16 February 1944), popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke , was an Indian producer, director and screenwriter, widely regarded as "the Father of Indian cinema".
- The movie’s success marked the beginning of Indian cinema and inspired the growth of the film industry in the country.
- His most notable works include Mohini Bhasmasur (1913), Satyavan Savitri (1914), Lanka Dahan (1917), Shri Krishna Janma (1918), and Kaliya Mardan (1919).
- In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, the Government of India instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in his honour.
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Pronunciation: [d̪ʱuɳɖiɾaːd͡ʒ pʰaːɭke]; 30 April 1870 – 16 February 1944), popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, was an Indian producer, director and screenwriter, widely regarded as "the Father of Indian cinema".
Phalke’s debut film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), was the first Indian motion picture and is recognised as India's first full-length mythological feature film. The movie’s success marked the beginning of Indian cinema and inspired the growth of the film industry in the country.
Over his career spanning nearly two decades, Phalke made 94 feature-length films and 27 short films between 1913 and 1937. His most notable works include Mohini Bhasmasur (1913), Satyavan Savitri (1914), Lanka Dahan (1917), Shri Krishna Janma (1918), and Kaliya Mardan (1919). He was known for his creativity, technical innovation and ability to adapt mythological stories for the screen, often handling multiple departments such as editing, set design and makeup himself.
In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, the Government of India instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in his honour. It remains the highest award in Indian cinema, presented annually as part of the National Film Awards to honour lifetime achievement in filmmaking.
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