Cinemaazi remembers Ram Gabale on his birth anniversary

Ram Gabale directed over 25 Marathi and Hindi films and more than 100 documentaries, short films and ad films. He was also one of the assistant directors for Richard Attenborough’s Oscar-winning film Gandhi (1982). Hailing from Kolhapur, Gabale started his career with Prabhat Films in Pune. He worked with greats such as V Shantaram, Master Vinayak, Bhalji Pendharkar, P L Deshpande, G D Madgulkar and Sudheer Phadke. He wrote the scripts for many films, including for Vande Mataram (1948) which was also his directorial debut. He was just 24 at the time. Gabale went on to make films such as Dev Pavla (1950), Johar Maibaap (1950), Dudh Bhat (1952), Devbappa (1953), Postatil Mulgi (1954), Chhota Jawan (1963) and Jiwhala (1968). His films explored social themes, examining the socioeconomic scenario in independent India. Among his films which won various honours and awards are Chhota Jawan (1963), his documentary on Maharshi Karve, and Kale-Gore. His children’s films Phool Aur Kaliyan and Kutch Khatta Kutch Meetha were also appreciated. Associated with the Film and Television Institute of India and Rajkamal studios, the last film Gabale directed was He Geet Jeevanache (1995). Ram Gabale passed away in 2009.