Dr. V. Shantaram 17.11.2001

In an illustrious career spanning over 7 decades, Dr. V. Shantaram (1901-1990) created 105 films and used the medium of cinema to advocate social messages, winning the acclaim of both connoisseurs and commoners. Hailing from Kolhapur in Maharashtra, Shantaram's initiation into cinema was through the Maharashtra Film Company of  Babu Rao Painter, one of the great pioneers of Indian cinema. Initially a mere studio hand, he progressed through hard work to become a filmmaker. In 1992, Shantaram and some friends launched their own concern called Prabhat Film Company, which steadily grew in reputation and became a major force in Indian cinema.