Dadasaheb Phalke

The moniker, 'Father of Indian Cinema,' is a befitting tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation of Indian cinema. Despite heavy odds and scathing criticisms, Phalke went ahead with his endeavors and made people realize the cultural and financial worth of the film medium. As more and more entrepreneurs took to film-making, films became an integral part of mainstream entertainment.

Now as the Bollywood juggernaut rolls on to every nook and corner of the country and even transcends the national boundaries, the film fraternity is reaping the benefits of the seeds sown by Dadasaheb Phalke. The film industry has become an extension of the Indian culture commanding a massive fan-following all over the country. The financial stakes too are staggering with films being made with high budgets and actors drawing hefty pay packages.

India's most prestigious film award has been named after Dadasahab Phalke to honor his path-breaking efforts in Indian cinema.

Father of Indian Cinema
Dadasaheb Phalke is regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema. Phalke was a visionary gifted enough to foresee the awesome potential of the film medium almost a century ago. Phalke's film 'Raja Harishchandra' was not the first ever Indian film.

Life of Dadasaheb Phalke
Dadasaheb Phalke, the founding father of Indian Cinema, was born on April 30, 1870 at Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in the Maharashtra state of India. Named as Dhundiraj Govind Phalke by his Sanskrit scholar parents, Phalke developed a passion for creative arts from a young age and enrolled at the Sir J.J. School of Arts, Bombay in 1885.

Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the most prestigious award in the realm of Indian cinema. Named after Dadasaheb Phalke, the pioneer of Indian film industry, the award is bestowed to honor distinguished contribution to the growth and promotion of the film medium.