Father of Indian Cinema-Some Lesser known Facts
India celebrates Dadasaheb Phalke 152 anniversary as a tribute to his contribution to the Indian cinema. India’s obsession with the movies is unlike seen anywhere in the world. The actors are worshiped here like gods. Megastars like Amitabh Bachchan, Sharukh Khan and Salman Khan often come at their balconies to give their glimpse to the crowd.
India’s First Motion Picture
Although the movies doesn’t seem to be a novel task, but it looked in those times. Consequently when Dadasaheb Phalke, produced the first motion picture , the public was thrilled. In 1913, he produced the first motion picture Raja Harishchandra. Paresh Mokashi paid a tribute to the iconic Dadasaheb Phalke in 2009. He directed the Marathi movie Harishchandrachi Factory, in which he showcased the innocence and imagination of the Phalke family.
Who was Dadasaheb Phalke? Some Interestining Facts
Although all Indians recognize him as the greatest Indian moviemaker of all times, only a few know about his artistic skills. Here are some interesting facts associated with the moviemaker that we don’t know.
15 Unknown Facts about Dadasaheb Phalke
- Dadasaheb studied at Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai in 1885.
- He also studied sculpture, engineering, drawing, painting and photography at Kala Bhawan at Maharaja Sayajirao University.
- Phalke started his career as a local photographer at Godhra but left mid-way after the death of his first wife and child in a bubonic plague outbreak.
- Phalke specialized in Lithography and Oleograph.
- He took training from Germany for the latest technology, machinery and art .
- Before he ventured into films, he worked as photographer, owned a printing press, and even worked with the painter Raja Ravi Varma
- A dispute with his partners changed his focus to moving pictures.
- traveled to London to learn filmmaking from Cecil Hepworth. After returning from London with the first movie camera, he set up a studio in a borrowed bungalow.
- He also started Hindustan Films in partnership with five businessman from Mumbai.
- While his partners were more keen in earning profits, he was more concerned about the creative aspects.
- In 1920, Phalke resigned from Hindustan Films due to differences in the opinions.
- Dadasaheb’s entire family contributed to the making of the legendary film ‘Raja Harishchandra’. His wife designed the costumes of the actors and cooked food for the whole cast and crew, while their son played the role of Harishchandra’s son in the movie.
- Phalke made 95 films and 26 short films after Raja Harishchandra.
- Dadasaheb Phalke’s last silent movie ‘Setu Bandhan’ was released in 1932.
- He died on February 16, 1944.
