Dadasaheb Phalke

Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (1870-1944), popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke is regarded as the "Father of Indian Cinema". He was a great entrepreneur as well as a talented creative director. He foresaw movies with Indian themes and plots bringing together a diverse nation, and worked towards that goal importing equipment, soliciting funding, and even experimenting with animation. In the great India mythologies he found plenty of exciting plots and material to make indigenous movies.

Some of his important movies were: Raja Harsischandra, Setu-Bandhan, and Gangavatarn.

India's most prestigious award in moviemaking and movie industry (called Dadasaheb Phalke Award) is instituted in his name.

Biography by : Vikas Kamat
Reference: Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema

See Also:

• Indian Cinema -- Reviews, research, biographies, and other miscellaneous topics on India's large movie industry; includes rare stills.