India honoured Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, widely revered as Dadasaheb Phalke and hailed as the “Father of Indian Cinema,” on his death anniversary on 16 February with nationwide tributes recognising his pioneering contribution to filmmaking.
Phalke’s groundbreaking work in the early 20th century, especially his first full-length feature Raja Harishchandra in 1913, catalysed the birth of an industry that has grown into a global cultural force. Contemporary leaders, artistes and film organisations underscored his legacy, even as discussions surge around a forthcoming biopic on his life by legendary filmmakers seeking to capture his story for modern audiences.
Additionally, reflections on recent cinematic achievements such as veteran actor Mohanlal receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2025 highlighted how Phalke’s vision continues to shape the creative and cultural contours of Indian cinema.
Tributes and Renewed Focus on Phalke’s Legacy
Born in 1870 in Trimbak, Maharashtra, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke’s fascination with photography and storytelling eventually led him to experiment with filmmaking at a time when motion pictures were a novel technology. His landmark production Raja Harishchandra is credited as the first feature film of Indian cinema, a bold cultural experiment that laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most prolific film industries.
On his death anniversary this year, government officials, film bodies and cultural organisations across India paid homage to Phalke’s contributions, reiterating that his creative courage helped open the doors to diverse narrative expressions on screen. Veteran actors and film personalities took to social media and official platforms to share reflections on how Phalke’s pioneering spirit influenced generations of storytellers. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also highlighted his enduring influence in shaping cinema as both art and industry.
At the same time, the film community is abuzz with anticipation around a high-profile biographical project on Phalke’s life. Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and actor Aamir Khan have announced plans to collaborate on a cinematic portrayal of Phalke’s journey, though insiders confirm that its production schedule has been deferred to March 2026 to allow deeper development of the script and emotional narrative. Many in the industry say this reflects an effort to responsibly capture not just Phalke’s achievements but the struggles and depth of his artistic vision.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Contemporary Cinema
More than a century after Phalke’s first film, the Indian government institutionalised his memory through the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969 the highest honour bestowed on individuals for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. Presented annually by the President of India, the award symbolises the pinnacle of artistic and cultural achievement in the country’s film fraternity.
In 2025, the 71st National Film Awards saw Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal receive this distinguished honour, accepted from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. In his acceptance speech, Mohanlal spoke of the award as not just a personal achievement but a tribute to the collective spirit of his industry and its rich creative heritage. Many film critics welcomed the choice, noting it reflects an inclusive recognition of Indian cinema’s regional and linguistic diversity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated Mohanlal on social media, describing him as “a symbol of talent and versatility” whose work will inspire future generations, thus linking contemporary excellence to the foundational legacy of Phalke.
Beyond honours for senior artists, the Indian film community continues to celebrate cinematic storytelling’s evolution from silent narratives to vibrant multilingual productions that resonate both within and beyond India’s borders.
Film festivals and award shows centred around Phalke’s legacy, such as the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards, continue to spotlight emerging voices and global contributions, emphasising cinema’s cultural significance in a rapidly changing world.
Phalke’s Work and Historical Significance
While Phalke’s name is synonymous with Raja Harishchandra, his work went beyond a single film. In the early days of World War I, he struggled with financial difficulties and limited film stock, at times relying on public support and appeals to nationalist leaders to fund his projects. His subsequent films such as Lanka Dahan (1917) and Shri Krishna Janma (1918) were among the earliest popular cinematic explorations of Indian mythology and narrative form.
Despite Phalke’s early accomplishments, the introduction of sound in cinema in the 1930s, and evolving commercial trends eventually led him to step away from filmmaking. Yet his innovations and the institutional legacy he inspired from film studios and festivals to government awards and academic study anchored Indian cinema’s growth path for decades.
Historically, Phalke’s contribution has been acknowledged not just through awards but through broader cultural recognition: postage stamps, retrospectives at international festivals, documentary projects and scholarly work that explore the ideological and artistic roots of Indian storytelling on screen. His vision has often been invoked during conversations on cinema’s role in reflecting social values, cultural diversity, national identity and intergenerational dialogue.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke’s story is not merely one of technical innovation or artistic curiosity it is a testament to the power of creative courage. As India marks his death anniversary with reverence and reflection, we are reminded that cinema at its best does more than entertain; it invites us to imagine ourselves in each other’s stories, to confront social challenges, and to celebrate shared humanity.
