Cinemaazi remembers Bhalji Pendharkar on his birth anniversary
3 May 1898
One of the early pioneers of Indian cinema, Bhalji Pendharkar worked as a director, producer, writer and actor in Marathi and Hindi cinema. He is considered one of the most avid chroniclers of the Marathi hero Chhatrapati Shivaji. Some believe that his films depict the warrior king’s entire biography.
Bhalji started his career in the era of silent films. He was associated with Prabhat Film Company’s earliest talkies, and also worked with other studios in Kolhapur. Later, he acquired his own studio, titled Jayaprabha Studio. Under this banner, he made primarily social and historical films. For his contribution to Indian cinema, Bhalji was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1991.
Bhalji started his career in the era of silent films. He was associated with Prabhat Film Company’s earliest talkies, and also worked with other studios in Kolhapur. Later, he acquired his own studio, titled Jayaprabha Studio. Under this banner, he made primarily social and historical films. For his contribution to Indian cinema, Bhalji was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1991.
