On April 30, 2025, India celebrates the 155th birth anniversary of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, famously known as Dadasaheb Phalke. Hailed as the Father of Indian Cinema, Phalke’s pioneering journey began in an era when filmmaking was virtually unknown in India. Through his vision, persistence, and courage, he created India’s first full-length feature film—Raja Harishchandra (1913)—and laid the foundation for one of the world’s largest film industries.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in 1860 in Trimbak, Maharashtra, Dadasaheb Phalke had a deep interest in arts and photography from a young age. He trained at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Bombay (now Mumbai) and later explored various disciplines, including painting, printing, and theater.
Phalke’s life changed dramatically in 1910 when he watched the silent film The Life of Christ. The visuals moved him profoundly, and he envisioned bringing Indian mythological stories to the big screen in a similar cinematic language. That vision planted the seed for what would become India’s first cinematic milestone.
A Risky Mission to Learn Filmmaking
At the time, cinema was dominated by the West, and the concept was alien to Indian audiences. Realizing he needed the technical expertise, Phalke traveled to London in 1912—a bold move considering his limited resources and lack of support.
There, he met with film industry experts, studied equipment, and bought essential filming gear, including a camera and reels of raw film. He returned to India not just with tools, but with the knowledge and confidence to begin his groundbreaking journey in filmmaking.
The Making of Raja Harishchandra: A Journey Against All Odds
Creating Raja Harishchandra was far from easy. Phalke faced numerous social, financial, and logistical challenges, but he remained undeterred.
Financial Hardships
With no investors willing to support such a new venture, Phalke mortgaged his insurance policies and even sold his wife Saraswati’s jewelry to fund the film. His personal sacrifices underscore his unwavering commitment to his vision.
Societal Taboos and Casting Challenges
In 1913, acting was considered taboo in India, especially for women. No woman was willing to act on screen, forcing Phalke to cast male actors in female roles. The role of Queen Taramati was played by a young man named Anna Salunke, who was working as a waiter at the time.
Phalke had to train his actors from scratch, often facing resistance and mockery from conservative circles. Despite this, his crew remained motivated by his passion and storytelling abilities.
Raja Harishchandra (1913): India’s First Feature Film
After months of struggle, Raja Harishchandra premiered on May 3, 1913, at the Coronation Cinematograph in Bombay. It was a silent, black-and-white film based on the legendary story of King Harishchandra, a symbol of truth and sacrifice in Hindu mythology.
The audience was enthralled. The film’s success was not just commercial—it marked the birth of Indian cinema. For the first time, Indians saw their mythology and cultural identity reflected on the big screen.
Phalke’s Lasting Impact on Indian Cinema
After the success of Raja Harishchandra, Phalke made over 90 films and 26 short features during his career. His work laid the technical and narrative groundwork for Indian filmmakers. He introduced camera tricks, elaborate set designs, and editing techniques far ahead of his time.
In 1969, the Government of India instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, to honor individuals for their lifetime contributions to Indian film.
Modern Tributes and Celebrations
To honor his legacy, the 15th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival is being held on April 30, 2025, in Delhi NCR. The festival celebrates cinematic excellence and serves as an inspiration for new generations of filmmakers.
