3 Review(s)

Cinema is twentieth century’s definitive medium of mass communication. It has proved to be a mode of catharsis in resonating among the viewers the sentiments necessary for transforming their perceptions. Starting from Raja Harishchandra (1913), the first indigenously made Indian feature film, film-makers and actors have attempted to provide in their contemporary films plausible scenarios, while entertaining over 3.5 million people on a daily basis. This book, Eminent Indians: Film Personalities, attempts to bring to focus the quintessence of the development of Bollywood over the years and the years and the success stories of ten persons who have made Indian cinema one of the most creative industries across the world. Such distinguished persons include film-makers like Satyajit Ray who kindled our sensibilities through the medium of cinema; Mrinal Sen, who experimented with new styles and technique of film-making; Raj Kapoor, whose brand of intense passion wrapped social messages with undercurrents of tradition blended with modernity; M.G. Ramachandran who, after a glittering acting career, had unparalleled success in the politics of Tamil Nadu, and was an undisputed patron saint of the poor; and Shyam Benegal, who has portrayed in his films the panoramic society of India and its potential. Above all, it is a useful book for all those interested in the development of Indian cinema and in knowing about the contributions of film personalities. About the Author M.L. Ahuja has over thirty books to his credit. He is the recipient of Janseva Sadbhavana Award (2006), Bharat Gaurav Award (2007) and Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Ekta Samman (2009). He was the area representative of International Association of Orientalist Librarians for three years and is now executive secretary of Afro-Asian Book Council. He is associated with book publishing as well as marketing of books and journals in India since 1959. He has travelled extensively both within and outside India and has presented a number of papers at several national and international seminars. He has also contributed a number of articles to journals and books.