Bhalaji Pendharkar:
Born on 3rd May 1898 in Kolhapur. Right from childhood he was aloof and had a spiritual aspect towards the life. He was obliged by "Satguru Sadanand" at his early age. He contributed his life for the freedom struggle with Babarao Savarkar, Chandrashekhar Azad. He adored Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji and Lord Krishna. He started his first earnings as a title writer in Kala Maharshi Baburao Painter's "Maharashtra Film Company". He gradually started play writing and worked continuously and produced his own independent films based on three principles of his life - "God, Nation and Religion", till his age of ninety seven years. He produced and directed nearby sixty films. He not only produced the films but also contributed to the script, dialogues and songs of the films. Along with entertainment, his main goal was social awaking. Especially from his historical films, in pre-independent era, he tried to awaken the feelings of state's pride and patriotism in the society. As a great philosopher and patriot, his views and work are incredible and important. He is the cultural hirer to the culture of Maharashtra.
Taking into consideration his contribution to the nation and film industry, he was honored with the highest award in films i.e. "Dadasaheb Phalke Award". This great film maker and patriotic left us on his heavenly abode at the age of 97 on 26th November 1994
