Shri. Shantaram Rajaram Wankudre, affectionately known as Annasaheb, was born in the vibrant city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and went on to become a renowned Indian filmmaker, renowned for his remarkable contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Starting his illustrious career in the silent film era, Shantaram blossomed into a multi-talented director, producer, writer, and actor, leaving an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. His remarkable journey began with his establishment of Rajkamal Kalamandir, a prestigious film production company and studio in Mumbai, in 1942, after he parted ways with Prabhat Films.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shantaram was celebrated for his impactful works, including the critically acclaimed films "Do Aankhen Barah Haath" and "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje". His exceptional talent and dedication earned him numerous accolades, including National Awards and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, the Government of India issued a postal stamp in his honor, a testament to his enduring legacy. Moreover, the Government of Maharashtra conferred upon him the Chhatrapati V. Shantaram Jeevangaurav Puraskar, a Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his remarkable body of work.
Today, Shantaram's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of filmmakers through the V. Shantaram Award and Foundation, a testament to his lasting impact on the Indian film industry. In addition, he held the esteemed position of President of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) from 1940-1943 to 1944, further solidifying his status as a visionary leader and stalwart of Indian cinema.
