Great Masters of Indian Cinema: The Dadasaheb Phalke Award Winners

One man who probably understood the art and technique of filmmaking better than most of his contemporaries was Dadasaheb Phalke. His landmark film 'Raja Harishchandra' is considered as India's first feature film. Dadasaheb Phalke Awards, instituted in the memory of this icon of Indian cinema, are given every year since 1969 to those film personalities who have made outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema in various ways. From Devika Rani in 1969 to Adoor Gopalakrishnan in 2004, the awardees include actors, actresses, directors, producers, singers and music directors, a wide canvas of creativity and ingenuity which constitutes the Indian film industry. The author has made a sincere attempt to portray the profile and contributions of these personalities in the book. A short description of the awardee, the films they were associated with, and illustrations make this book informative and interesting.