The Reel Life of Real Legends: Dadasaheb Phalke – The Father of Indian Cinema
Dadasaheb Phalke: The Pioneer of Indian Cinema – A
Cinematic Journey
In the early 20th century, while India was still under
British colonial rule, an artist, visionary, and determined dreamer changed the
course of Indian storytelling forever. Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, affectionately
known as Dadasaheb Phalke, embarked on a cinematic journey that would lay the
foundation for what is now one of the world’s largest film industries. His life
and work, often chronicled in biographical films and documentaries, form a
captivating tale of passion, perseverance, and the birth of Indian cinema.
The Early Life of a Visionary
Born on 30 April 1870 in Trimbak, Maharashtra, Dadasaheb
Phalke was raised in a scholarly household. He studied at the Sir J. J. School
of Art in Bombay (now Mumbai), where he gained formal training in fine arts.
His exposure to photography, printing, and stage magic during his formative
years shaped his multifaceted artistic persona.
Before entering the world of cinema, Phalke worked as a
painter, photographer, and even tried his hand at theatre and printing. His varied
experiences gave him an eye for detail and a flair for visual storytelling. But
it wasn’t until 1910, when he watched the silent film The Life of Christ,
that his life took a dramatic turn.
Inspired by the West, Rooted
in India
Seeing Jesus Christ come alive on screen fascinated
Phalke, but more importantly, it made him question why Indian deities and myths
hadn’t yet graced the silver screen. He saw the potential of cinema as a medium
to share India’s rich mythological and cultural heritage with the masses. This
realisation marked the beginning of his mission—to create India’s very own
films for an Indian audience.
Despite having no background in filmmaking, Phalke
travelled to London in 1912 to learn the basics of motion pictures. He sold his
belongings and took loans to fund this journey. After gaining practical
knowledge and acquiring essential equipment, he returned to India, determined
to make a film of his own.
The Birth of Indian Cinema
In 1913, Phalke released Raja Harishchandra,
widely regarded as India’s first full-length feature film. A silent film based
on the legend of the truthful king Harishchandra, it featured Marathi theatre
actors and used innovative techniques never before seen in the country.
Faced with immense challenges—including societal
opposition to women acting in films (the female roles were played by men), lack
of infrastructure, and financial difficulties—Phalke pressed on with sheer
dedication. The film was a resounding success and marked the dawn of Indian
cinema.
Following this, Phalke made a series of mythological
films such as Lanka Dahan (1917), Shri Krishna Janma (1918), and Kaliya
Mardan (1919). His films were not just entertainment; they were cultural
milestones that instilled pride and identity among Indian audiences under
colonial rule.
Personal Sacrifices and
Professional Triumphs
Phalke’s journey was far from easy. He mortgaged his
property, involved his family in productions, and even cast his own son in
pivotal roles. His wife, Saraswati Phalke, played a crucial role behind the
scenes—managing costumes, preparing food for the crew, and assisting in
makeup—making her one of Indian cinema’s earliest unsung heroes.
Phalke eventually founded the Phalke Films Company, which
later became part of Hindustan Films. Despite his groundbreaking contributions,
the advent of sound in cinema and the increasing commercialisation of the
industry led to his marginalisation. Disillusioned, he briefly retired but
returned to make his last film, Gangavataran (1937), which was also his
only sound film.
Legacy and Recognition
Though he died in 1944 in relative obscurity, Phalke’s
legacy endured. In 1969, the Government of India instituted the Dadasaheb
Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, to recognise outstanding
contributions to the industry. His life and achievements have since inspired
several biographical works, including the acclaimed Marathi film Harishchandrachi
Factory (2009), which lovingly portrays his struggles and triumphs during
the making of Raja Harishchandra.
Phalke’s vision and determination ignited a cinematic
revolution that transformed Indian culture, entertainment, and identity. His
story is not just about making films—it is about pioneering a movement,
overcoming resistance, and capturing the imagination of a nation.
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