Rare photos from Marathi cinema’s golden age make it to NFAI

Still photographer S.M. Ajrekar’s collection of 10,000 pictures donated by his daughter

A still picture from Jaga Bhadyane dene aahe (1949)

Pune: Enriching its archival collection on regional cinema, the city-based National Film Archives of India (NFAI) on Tuesday added a treasure trove of rare photographs and stills from the ‘Golden Age’ of Marathi Cinema to its collection.

The collection consists of 10,00 photographs by still photographer S.M. Ajrekar, who worked in Pune for legendary film studio Navyug and the Prabhat Film Company, and was active between 1942 and 1956.

His series of photographs offer a window to the glorious past of Marathi cinema of the 1940s and 50s, when the industry was at its peak churning out a string of classics.

Mr. Ajrekar’s collection was donated to the NFAI by his daughter, Shambhavi Bal.

“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 Mr. Ajrekar’s skill in playing with light and shade.

“Although he was talented, my father shied away from the limelight. He was a determined artiste 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.