Dadasaheb Phalke's Death Anniversary
The Father of Indian Cinema, Dhadasaheb Phalke doesn't need any introduction. He is revered by film industries across India as he is the one who brought Indians closer to cinematic beauty. For those living under a rock, his real name is Dhundiraj Govind Phalke. Born on April 30, 1870, in Nashik, Maharashtra, he started his career as a photographer. However, his life underwent a drastic change when he watched a silent French movie titled Life of Christ. It was then when he decided to enter into the art of filmmaking. He went to London to pursue his dream.
After returning from London, he made Raja Harishchandra in 1913, which is considered first Indian feature film. While hunting for actors for Raja Harishchandra, Phalke posted ads mentioning that handsome actors are required. However, after receiving applications from several unsuitable actors, he added another line stating 'ugly faces need not apply'.
After making more than 100 films in his 25-year-long career, Dadasaheb Phalke took retirement and then breathed his last on February 16, 1944. Some of his noted works are Mohini Bhasmasur (1913), Satyavan Savitri (1914), Lanka Dahan (1917), Shri Krishna Janma (1918) and Kaliya Mardan (1919).
Dadasaheb Phalke's Death Anniversary 
Dadasaheb Phalke's Death Anniversary
To honour him, Indian Government introduced Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is considered as one of the prestigious accolades in Indian cinema and is given to devout personalities for their outstanding contribution.
Later in 2009, a Marathi film was made which portrayed the struggle of Dadasaheb Phalke while making Raja Harishchandra. Titled Harishchandrachi Factory, it was directed by theatre veteran Paresh Mokashi. Harishchandrachi Factory was also India's official entry to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
