Enriching its archival collection on regional cinema, the city-based National Film Archives of India (NFAI) on Tuesday added a treasure trove in form of rare photographs and stills from the ‘Golden Age’ of Marathi Cinema to its collection.
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The collection consists of 1000 photographs by eminent still photographer S.M. Ajrekar, who worked in Pune for the legendary film studios, Navyug and the Prabhat Film Company, and was active between 1942 and 1956.
His series of vintage photographs proffers a window to the glorious past of Marathi Cinema of the 1940s and 50s, when the industry was in its heyday churning out a string of classics.
Mr. Ajrekar’s collection was donated to the NFAI by his daughter, Shambhavi Bal.
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“It is a truly invaluable addition to the NFAI’s ever-burgeoning collection of Indian cinematic heritage. Mr. Ajrekar’s photos are extraordinary, given their quality and the manner in which they have been preserved,” said Prakash Magdum, Director of NFAI.
Mr. Ajrekar worked as a still photographer on several films, including notables such as Jaga Bhadyane Dene Aahe (1949), Var Pahije (1950) – both directed by Achyut Ranade, Sharada (1951), Narveer Tanaji (1952), Een Meen Sadeteen (1954) and Teen Mule (1954).
Most of the photographs are printed with a matte finish and showcase Ajrekar’s skill in playing with light and shade.
“Although he was talented, my father shied away from the limelight. He was a determined artist and gave himself to passionately and sincerely working on every aspect of the job at hand. He took his art very seriously and made it a point to nurture and preserve his work with utmost care, like it were his own child,” reminisced Ms. Bal at a function here, revealing her father’s fondness to experiment with lighting and photography.