Dadasaheb Phalke, born on April 30, 1870, is widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema. He directed India's first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913, which marked the beginning of the Indian film industry. Phalke's innovative techniques and storytelling laid the foundation for future filmmakers in India.
Phalke's contributions to cinema extended beyond directing; he was also a producer, screenwriter, and cinematographer. His work inspired generations of filmmakers and led to the establishment of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which honors lifetime contributions to Indian cinema. Phalke passed away on February 16, 1944, but his legacy endures.