 | Thisbiography of a living personneeds additionalcitations forverification. Please help by addingreliable sources.Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced orpoorly sourcedmust be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentiallylibelous. Find sources: "Rajdutt" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Rajdutt | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Dattatray Ambadas Mayalu 1932 |
| Alma mater | GS College of Commerce, Wardha[1] |
| Occupations |
|
| Honours | Padma Bhushan (2023) |
Dattatray Ambadas Mayalu (1932), popularly known asRajdutt, is an Indian director and producer in the Marathi and Hindi film industries. He directed his first filmMadhuchandra in 1967. He is a recipient of threeNational Film Awards, threeFilmfare Award Marathi, twelveMaharashtra State Film Awards,V. Shantaram Award andZee Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution in Marathi cinema. In 2024, theGovernment of India, honoured him withPadma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour for his contributions to Indian culture through performing arts.[1]
Rajdutt was born in Dhamangaon,Wardha district studied commerce before working for the Nagpur dailyTarun Bharat as a subeditor and theatre reviewer. Serving asRaja Paranjpe's assistant for twelve years and appearing in a few of his films, he later recreatedPudhcha Paool.[2]
Rajdutt, a prominent figure in Marathi cinema, began his career inMadras, nowChennai, where he established connections withAVM Studios. He ventured into filmmaking in 1967 withMadhuchandra, a successful experiment, and collaborated with Hindi music composerN. Datta for Marathi film music direction.
Following his debut, Rajdutt's career saw ups and downs untilBhalji Pendharkar andLata Mangeshkar assisted him in producingGharchi Rani. The film received accolades, including theMaharashtra State Film Award for Best Film, yet Rajdutt never sought personal recognition.
In 1969,Apradh earned him the State Government's First Prize. He went on to direct 28 films, garnering 14 awards in various categories, a unique feat in Marathi cinema.
Rajdutt's work delved into nationalism, societal issues, and philosophical themes, resonating with audiences. His filmDevaki Nandan Gopala transcendedMaharashtra, reachingKarnataka, Tamil Nadu, England, and the United States, even being showcased at international festivals likeCannes andVenice.Shapit received recognition from the Russian Council.[3]
Furthermore, Rajdutt ventured into Hindi cinema withEriya, starringSharmila Tagore and Mark Juber. His contributions earned him esteem nationally and internationally, making him a singular director in Marathi cinema.