The ‘Legends of Indian Silver Screen’ – the latest publication from Directorate of Publication Division (DPD) was unveiled this evening by Principal Director General, DPD, Bhupendra Kainthola along with renowned Konkani filmmaker Rajendra Talak at the PIB Press Conference Hall at 56th IFFI in Goa.
In his opening remarks, Kainthola highlighted the significance of the book stating, “Everybody should know the journey of the stalwarts who have won Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is considered the highest honor in Indian cinema. This book features 23 such awardees, including icons like Devika Rani, Satyajit Ray, V. Shantaram, Lata Mangeshkar and others, who received the award between the year 1969 and 1991.”
He further explained, “The book is a compilation of 23 articles written by 17 different writers, with the compiling editor being Sanjit Narwekar. An exciting aspect of this publication is that two Dadasaheb Phalke Awardees, Mithun Chakraborty and Asha Parekh, have each written a foreword for the book.” Kainthola also read excerpts from the forewords to give the audience a glimpse into the book’s content.
Kainthola elaborated on the mission of DPD stating, “The Directorate, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has been entrusted with the responsibility of bringing such important subjects printed at affordable prices. This book is especially significant for researchers, as well as for anyone who seeks to understand cinema beyond its glamorous surface.”
Rajendra Talak, resonating with Kainthola’s remarks, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He congratulated DPD on this initiative. “These stalwarts created films amidst numerous adversities which today’s generation can hardly imagine. This book will serve as the basic ‘ABC’ for anyone wanting to understand the craft of film making.”
He further emphasized on the importance of focusing on hard work regardless of success or failure, as exemplified by the illustrative career of the stalwarts.
In response to a question, Kainthola remarked, “Undoubtedly, cinema is a soft power, but it is also a legacy in India. We should learn from that legacy, looking beyond the outer layer of glamour.” He also stressed on the importance of authenticity in writing and noted that the book’s language may be kept simple to make it accessible to a wider audience.
Kainthola informed the audience that the book is also available for purchase on various online platforms as well as at the DPD stall at the IFFI venue. Towards the end of the session, Talak requested that a second edition of the book should be published, exploring the stories those who have received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award after 1991. Kainthola responded enthusiastically,
