FATHER OF INDIAN CINEMA

Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke was an indian producer,director-screenwriter known as father of indian cinema. He found the indian cinema 107 years ago,today we know as ‘ BOLLYWOOD’ His debut film ‘Raja Harishchandra ‘ was the first full length feature film in the year 1913.

Born -30 April 1870 Trimbak -Died – 16 February 1944 Nashik (Aged 73)

The story behind the making of ‘Raja Harishchandra’ is interesting. Dadasaheb Phalke decided to make a full length feature film. Phalke sahab started searching a woman to perform the role of Rani Taramati in the movie but he failed to do so.No one says yes to Dadasaheb Phalke, even prostitutes refused to work in the film. In search of herione,once Dadasaheb went into a hotel at Grant road Mumbai. In the hotel he saw a waiter named Anna salunke .Anna salunke hands looks like women and his body is also matches the role Phalke saheb looking for. He offers salunke to play taramati and offers him more salary than salunke earning as a waiter in that hotel.Anna salunke says yes to Phalke sir and the search for herione role ends

Anna hari salunke was first person to play the role of heroine in indian cinema.In 1917 anna salunke play the role of both hero and heroine in Dadasaheb phalke’s movie ‘LANKA DAHAN’.

Anna salunke as Taramati

Later Dadasaheb phalke made 95 feature films.

Dadasaheb dhundiraj phalke

In 1969 government of india started Dadasaheb phalke Award in his honour .It is the biggest award in india.A postage stamp was released by India post to honour him in 1971.

Image source:google