Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival
About Dadasaheb Phalke – Father of Indian Cinema
Legacy of a Visionary Filmmaker Who Pioneered Indian Cinema
DADASAHEB PHALKE
(April 30, 1870 – February 16, 1944)
Made 95 movies and 26 short films in his career span
of 19 years, till 1937
Dadasaheb Phalke’s vision revolutionized the world of films. What began as a tribute has evolved into a platform where the dreams of aspiring filmmakers meet the brilliance of seasoned creators. DPIFF is a beacon of inspiration for independent and established filmmakers, alike.
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, fondly remembered as Dadasaheb Phalke, is celebrated as the Father of Indian Cinema. A man of artistic brilliance, visionary thinking, and cultural patriotism, Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to the Indian film industry laid the very foundation upon which Indian cinema stands tall today.
Born on April 30, 1870, in Trimbak, Maharashtra, Phalke was a multifaceted genius — a painter, photographer, stage playwright, and a magician — before venturing into filmmaking. He turned to cinema at a time when the medium was still in its infancy globally, and virtually non-existent in India. His ambition? To create an indigenous motion picture industry that could reflect Indian stories, myths, and values to the masses.
Raja Harishchandra – India’s First Full-Length Feature Film
In 1913, Phalke made history by directing Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length silent feature film. Despite facing technical limitations, financial struggles, and social resistance, Phalke’s determination led to the birth of a cinematic movement that would evolve into one of the world’s largest film industries. The release of Raja Harishchandra marked the beginning of Indian cinema, making Dadasaheb Phalke an enduring national icon.
Pioneer, Storyteller, Technologist
Over the span of his career, Dadasaheb Phalke directed and produced more than 95 feature-length films and 26 short films between 1913 and 1937. His works drew inspiration from Indian mythology, folklore, and epics, notably the Mahabharata and Ramayana, thereby ensuring that Indian cultural identity remained central to his cinematic efforts.
He was not only a filmmaker but also a trailblazer in technical innovation — mastering cinematography, editing, set design, and even special effects at a time when no formal film schools or institutions existed in India.
Honoring a Legend: The Dadasaheb Phalke Award
In 1969, the Government of India instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, awarded annually at the National Film Awards. This lifetime achievement award commemorates his invaluable contribution to the growth and evolution of the Indian film industry.
Cultural Impact and Enduring Inspiration
Dadasaheb Phalke’s life story is more than history — it is a timeless inspiration for filmmakers, artists, and dreamers. His pioneering spirit continues to resonate in the hearts of every Indian cinephile and creator. His efforts proved that cinema could be both an art form and a cultural movement.
Today, over a century later, his legacy lives on through countless cinematic expressions, industry institutions, and the global recognition of Indian films.
Dadasaheb Phalke – A Name That Defined an Era
Dadasaheb Phalke passed away on February 16, 1944, but his influence remains immortal. His passion, resilience, and belief in the power of storytelling gave birth to an entire industry that entertains, educates, and unites millions across the world.
DPIFF’s Tribute to the Legend
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) stands as a living tribute to this legendary figure. The festival seeks to honor and amplify the values Phalke stood for — creative excellence, cultural representation, and cinematic innovation. Every award, screening, and initiative under DPIFF echoes the legacy of the man who dared to dream — and dared even more to create.
Quick Facts:
Full Name: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
Born: April 30, 1870, Trimbak, Maharashtra
First Film: Raja Harishchandra (1913)
Legacy: Over 120 films (features and shorts)
Died: February 16, 1944
Lesser-Known Facts About Dadasaheb Phalke
Beyond his legendary status as the Father of Indian Cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke’s life was filled with fascinating moments, untold stories, and creative milestones that many may not know. Here are some intriguing facts that shed new light on this visionary filmmaker:
1. Inspired by ‘The Life of Christ’
Phalke’s cinematic journey began after watching the silent film The Life of Christ (1910). Deeply moved, he envisioned Indian stories told through the same visual medium, inspiring him to create Raja Harishchandra.
2. He Sold His Personal Belongings to Fund His First Film
To finance Raja Harishchandra, Phalke mortgaged his property and sold personal items — including his wife’s jewelry — displaying unmatched conviction in his dream.
3. Trained Himself in Filmmaking in London
Despite financial struggles, Phalke traveled to London to study filmmaking. He trained under British film companies and returned to India equipped with the technical knowledge to pioneer Indian cinema.
4. Worked as a Magician and Lithographer
Before entering films, Phalke dabbled in various professions, including being a magician, photographer, printer, and lithographer — showcasing his multidimensional creativity and skill.
5. Faced Difficulty Casting Female Roles
Due to societal restrictions at the time, no women were willing to act in films. The role of Queen Taramati in Raja Harishchandra was played by a male actor named Anna Salunke, who also worked as a cook in a restaurant.
6. Made India’s First Comedy Film
Apart from mythologicals, Phalke also experimented with genres. He made Bhasmasur Mohini (1913), which had elements of humor and fantasy — one of the earliest Indian comic narratives.
7. Created India’s First Documentary
Phalke also made short films and documentaries like The Growth of a Pea Plant (1911), which was India’s first time-lapse documentary, displaying his scientific curiosity and technical experimentation.
8. Ran a Film Company with His Family
Phalke treated filmmaking as a family affair. His wife assisted in costume design and film development, and his children acted in his films — a true family enterprise before the idea of a studio system was formalized.
9. Designed His Own Film Equipment
In the absence of resources, Phalke built and modified his own camera setups and lighting rigs — a testament to his ingenuity and hands-on approach to filmmaking.
10. Lived His Final Years in Obscurity
Despite his massive contribution to Indian cinema, Phalke spent his final years in solitude and financial hardship. He passed away in 1944 in Nashik, with little public recognition at the time.
Gallery: Unseen Photos of Dadasaheb Phalke
A Rare Glimpse into the Life of the Father of Indian Cinema
Explore an exclusive visual journey through the lens of time, featuring unseen and archival photographs of Dadasaheb Phalke — the pioneer who transformed the cultural and cinematic landscape of India. These rare visuals offer a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth, capturing personal, professional, and historical moments from his remarkable life.
