Indian film producer, director and screenwriter (1870–1944)
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (April 30, 1870 – February 16, 1944) was an Indian producer-director-screenwriter, known as the father of Indian cinema. His deep interests in magic, theatre and painting are amply reflected in his films. His debut film was Raja Harishchandra in 1913,which was India's first full-length feature. He went to make 95 movies and 26 short films during his career spanning 19 years, till 1937. The Government of India has honoured him by instituting The Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969, for lifetime contribution to cinema, which is one of most prestigious awards in Indian cinema conferred film personalities in the country, and is the highest official recognition. The India Post also issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honour in 1971.
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While the film Life of Christ was rolling past before my eyes I was mentally visualizing the gods, Shri Krishna, Shri Ramachandra their Gokul and Ayodhya.. I was gripped by a strange spell. I bought another ticket and saw the film again. This time I felt my imagination taking shape in the screen.Could this really happen? Could we the sons of India, ever be able to see Indian images on the screen. The whole night passed in this mental agony.
During this period I was constantly preoccupied with the analysis of every film, which I saw, and in considering whether I could make them here. There was no doubt whatsoever about the utility of the profession and its importance as an industry...this was the period of the Swadeshi movement and there was profuse talking and lecturing on the subject. For me personally, this led to the resignation of my comfortable government job and taking to an independent profession. I took this opportunity to explain my ideas to my friends and leaders of the Swadeshi movement. Even people who were familiar with me for 15 years found my ideas impracticable.