Dhirendra Nath Ganguly

Dhirendra Nath Ganguly Biography

Dhirendra Nath Ganguly, also known as Dhiren Ganguly or D.G, was an entrepreneur, actor and director of Bengali Cinema. For his contributions to Indian cinema he has been awarded with Dadasaheb Phalke Award in the year 1975. He set up numerous film production companies like Indo British Film Company, British Dominion Films and Lotus Film Company, though he worked as a director under New Theatres later. His movies are concentrated on comic flavours and were entertaining.

Ganguly was born in Kolkata. He completed his studies from Visva Bharati University in Shantiniketan. He released the book - Bhavki Abhibyakti in 1915 which gave make up lessons to CID officers of that age. J.F. Madan was interested in this book based on photography who agreed to invest in his films. Thus his first production company was set up in the year 1918. It was Indo British Film Co, the first film production company owned by Bengalis. Bilat Ferat (1921) – the first silent film released under this banner was a comedy. Two movies were released in the following year - Yashoda Nandan and Sadhu Aur Shaitan.

Ganguly founded Lotus Film Company in Hyderabad with the help of Nizam. He also established a film studio and two cinema houses. He acted as the distributor of the movie – Razia Sulthan in the year 1924. However Nizam couldn’t accept it as it told the love story of a Muslim princess and Hindu boy and he asked Ganguly to leave Hyderabad. Once again he returned back to Calcutta and formed his third production company, British Dominion Films. But with the arrival talkies and new sound technologies, this film company failed.

Ganguly joined Barua Pictures company and later with New Theatres of Kolkata where he worked as a director. He acted in movies also. A few of his movies as a director are Cartoon (1949), Shesh Nibedan (1948), Srinkhal (1947), Daabi (1943), Ahuti (1941), Path-Bhule (1940), Achin Priya (1938), Excuse Me, Sir (1934), Takay Ki Na Hay (1931), The Marriage Tonic (1923) and Hara Gouri (1922).

Published: N/A

Updated: October 25, 2013