Rajdutt

Rajdutt
Born
Dattatray Ambadas Mayalu

1932
Dhamangaon, Wardha district, British Raj (now Maharashtra, India)
Alma materGS College of Commerce, Wardha[1]
Occupations
  • Actor
  • director
HonoursPadma Bhushan (2023)

Dattatray Ambadas Mayalu (1932), popularly known as Rajdutt, is an Indian director and producer in the Marathi and Hindi film industries. He directed his first film Madhuchandra in 1967. He is a recipient of three National Film Awards, three Filmfare Award Marathi, twelve Maharashtra State Film Awards, V. Shantaram Award and Zee Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution in Marathi cinema. In 2024, the Government of India, honoured him with Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour for his contributions to Indian culture through performing arts.[1]

Early life

Rajdutt was born in Dhamangaon, Wardha district studied commerce before working for the Nagpur daily Tarun Bharat as a subeditor and theatre reviewer. Serving as Raja Paranjpe's assistant for twelve years and appearing in a few of his films, he later recreated Pudhcha Paool.[2]

Career

Rajdutt, a prominent figure in Marathi cinema, began his career in Madras, now Chennai, where he established connections with AVM Studios. He ventured into filmmaking in 1967 with Madhuchandra, a successful experiment, and collaborated with Hindi music composer N. Datta for Marathi film music direction.

Following his debut, Rajdutt's career saw ups and downs until Bhalji Pendharkar and Lata Mangeshkar assisted him in producing Gharchi Rani. The film received accolades, including the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Film, yet Rajdutt never sought personal recognition.

In 1969, Apradh earned him the State Government's First Prize. He went on to direct 28 films, garnering 14 awards in various categories, a unique feat in Marathi cinema.

Rajdutt's work delved into nationalism, societal issues, and philosophical themes, resonating with audiences. His film Devaki Nandan Gopala transcended Maharashtra, reaching Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, England, and the United States, even being showcased at international festivals like Cannes and Venice. Shapit received recognition from the Russian Council.[3]

Furthermore, Rajdutt ventured into Hindi cinema with Eriya, starring Sharmila Tagore and Mark Juber. His contributions earned him esteem nationally and internationally, making him a singular director in Marathi cinema.

Filmography

Year Film Notes
1967 Madhuchandra Debut as a director[4]
1968 Gharchi Rani Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director[5]
1969 Apradh Filmfare Award for Best Film – Marathi[6]
1970 Dev Manoos
Dhakti Bahin
1971 Jhep
1973 Bholi Bhabadi Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director
Varhadi Ani Vajantri
1975 Ya Sukhano Ya
1977 Devaki Nandan Gopala Filmfare Award for Best Film – Marathi
1978 Chandra Hota Sakshila
1979 Ashtavinayak Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Second Film[7]
1980 Bhalu [8]
1981 Are Sansar Sansar
1982 Aplech Daat Aplech Oth
Shapit National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi[9]
1983 Raghu Maina Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director
Sasu Varchad Jawai
Hech Maze Maher
1984 Mumbaicha Faujdar Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Second Film
1985 Ardhangi Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Film
1986 Aaj Zale Mukta Mi
Maaficha Sakshidar [10]
Mazhe Ghar Mazha Sansar
Pudhcha Paool National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi[11]
1987 Anandi Anand
Sarja National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi

Awards and honours

References

  1. ^ a b "Rajdutt & Dole selected for Padma awards on R-Day eve". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257.
  2. ^ Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-94325-7.
  3. ^ "FILM : National Film Archive of India presents "Devaki Nandan Gopala" Marathi with English subtitles > 7pm on 28th January 2019". Delhi Events.
  4. ^ "Madhuchandra – Indiancine.ma Wiki". wiki.indiancine.ma.
  5. ^ "Gharchi Rani (1968)". Indiancine.ma.
  6. ^ "अपराध". मराठी चित्रपट सूची. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  7. ^ "१९७५ मध्ये सांगलीतल्या कुटूंबात घडलेल्या सत्यघटनेवर आधारीत असणारा, अष्टविनायक सिनेमा". 8 September 2019.
  8. ^ "Bhalu (1980) – Movie Review, Story, Trailers, Videos, Photos, Wallpapers, Songs, Trivia, Movie Tickets". 10 October 2018. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018.
  9. ^ "30th National Film Awards" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 November 2018.
  10. ^ "Rediff On The NeT: Mohan Gokhale is dead". m.rediff.com. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  11. ^ "33rd National Film Awards" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2020.