When I saw Harishchandrachi Factory, I was reminded of Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian who sailed all the way to the South Pole. Legend has it that when they started off, everyone thought they were going to the North Pole. Only Amundsen knew that he wanted to go to the South Pole, since the North Pole (far nearer to Norway) had already been conquered.
Such are the adventurers of the world, the pioneers, those that go into unchartered waters and create new pathways for the world to follow.
Dadasaheb Phalke, who was India’s first filmmaker, was one such maverick. And the story of his life, Harishchandrachi Factory, is a story of inspiration. To any individual. To a filmmaker, who can owe it to him, to have accelerated the advent of the film industry in India. And most of all, to an entrepreneur.
“Entrepreneur?”, you question?! Yes, indeed. Check my tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke, in terms of the great entrepreneurship learnings that we can pick up from him:
For more information on the movie, check out the official website, and for more about Dadasaheb Phalke, check the wikipedia link or his details on IMDB.
Would love to read your comments on the subject.
Random Musings 
Amazing post..We always see the side of the coin which is shown to us. The entrepreneur in Dadasaheb Phalke- did it hit us, I wonder? Maybe we can find the same traits in Satyajit Ray as well.
The things which inspired me is the immense dedication with which Phalke fulfilled his dream. Maybe we need to dream,visualize and go for it.Emotions are needed but at the right place,isn’t it?
You are right, Shilpa.
These mavericks of Phalke’s kind do immerse themselves completely and totally into their passion, and only after that, such results can be possible!
Good lessons Sanjay.Thanks for sharing.Truly inspiring and will help us scale greater heights.Keep sharing!!
Thanks, Sunil..
I enjoyed it fully Sanjay and would like to watch the movie. Does it have English sub-titles? Great story, great presentation by you.
Thank you, Simar. Indeed, there is a version with English sub-titles.
Sanjay,
I came across this link from #marathi on twitter. This is the exact thought I had when I saw the movie. Excellent lessons in entrepreneurship and you have made a great presentation to highlight it …
Bravo
Amit 🙂
Thanks, Amit..
good one sanjay
Thanks, Ashok.
What a lovely confirmation!
Not only Phalke but the director who made this film had to endure as much!
Thank you for this wonderful confirmation!
I saw this film in June last year at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. It was the only film which moved me so much. I have written about the struggle behind the making of this great dramedy. I’m sure you’d love it:
http://passionforcinema.com/harishchandra’s-factory/
I felt at home on your blog!
Thank you for your good work.
Thank you, Salik.
Saw your blog and your post on the subject too. Nice one..
I am sure it must have been special to see this at FTII, and also with the maker of the film.
I would love to have such an opportunity!
You are a scriptwriter? I am a closet scriptwriter too 🙂
Sanjay, yes I can see! I just loved your presentation. It just reminded me of everything that I seemed to have forgotten. I just watched a film. A beautiful film about a boy — Mr Smith Goes To Washington. I am still caught in its mood.
I am basically a writer with a lot of curiosity to experiment with different art of expression. Honestly, I really didn’t know film could be so expensive. When I was a boy, I wrote a story and wanted to shoot it. I went to the street and discovered this was a novelty. I am originally from Kathmandu where there is no decent films or unfortunately, anything worth mentioning it seems to me these days. When I was this a little kid, I wanted to win that big Nobel Prize for literature. I used to devor all the papers, especially The Hindu and The Statesman. When I entered the real world of writing, I got quite frustrated. I was only 18. I came to India, quitting my job in the largest media house there after my 19th birthday, just because I couldn’t stand the kind of job they were doing. I worked too hard, demanded too much from me. I guess that was not a popular thing. There! I would call myself lucky that I got a job at one of the leading leading KPOs in India. It was a dream come true for a boy like me to work for a major American newspaper as a copyeditor for one and a half year. It just confirmed my belief in hard work and dedication. I simply love words and I value them absolutely. I’ve written about them, I hope you’ll read:
http://kathmanduspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/03/dictionary.html
When I started dabbling with colors, I had no idea it could be unaffordable too. You’re a writer too, and quite wonderful at that. There was a writers’ session at Landmark (Infinity) today. Authors like China Miéville, Mark Billingham, Denise Mina and Andy Diggle were there. It was very sad to learn that over 90% writers need to take a second job to survive. I was particularly surprised when Amit Varma, the India Uncut hero, said the shirt he was wearing was the only shirt that he had.
Phalke inspired me. Mokashi inspired me. I am just helping a friend to realize his life’s dream. He says it will inspire people. He’s a genuine guy and I completely trust him. I’ve written about that on PFC.
http://passionforcinema.com/making-an-inspiring-bollywood-comedy-with-a-non-preachy-social-message/
Thank you.
Thank you, Salik. Very fascinating to read about your background. All the best and lets stay in touch!