Dadasaheb Torne - A Lifestory
Father Of Indian Cinema: A Visionary Storyteller, Forever Remembered
Dadasaheb Torne was a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, widely regarded as the individual who directed and released the first Indian feature film. Born in 1884, his full name was Ramchandra Gopal Torne, and he hailed from Bombay, now Mumbai. Torne's initial foray into the world of visual entertainment involved operating a photographic studio. His keen interest in the emerging technology of motion pictures led him to acquire a camera and projector, which he initially used to screen foreign films. Recognizing the potential for indigenous filmmaking, Torne embarked on the ambitious project of creating a feature film rooted in Indian culture.
In 1912, he achieved this milestone with Shree Pundalik, a silent film based on the life of the saint Pundalik. The film was shot using a camera owned by a British cinematographer named Johnson, and it was filmed in a single day. The film's release on May 18, 1912, at the Coronation Cinematograph in Mumbai, marked a watershed moment in the history of Indian cinema. While Shree Pundalik was technically a cinematic recording of a stage play, it is still credited as the first Indian feature film because of its narrative structure and length.
Following the success of Shree Pundalik, Torne continued to contribute to the nascent Indian film industry. He established the Saraswati Film Company and produced several other films, further solidifying his position as a key figure in the early years of Indian cinema. Dadasaheb Torne's pioneering efforts paved the way for the development of a vibrant and globally recognized film industry in India. His contribution is celebrated as the foundation upon which Indian cinema was built.
