Hindi cinema centenary

Come May 3, 2013, a landmark event is to take place. It is 100 Years of Hindi Cinema, an occasion to showcase to global audience the high-points and broad trends of Indian Cinema. Dadasaheb Phalke's first film, Raja Harishchandra, was premiered on April 23, 1913, and released on May 3, 1913. It marked the beginning of the Silent Era of Hindi Cinema. A programme organised by Information & Broadcasting Ministry in Delhi missed the grandeur and majesty of Hindi Cinema. Hallmark of the Hindi Cinema is the various genres like historical, period cinema, mythological and Muslim Socials. Nothing figured in the Government jamboree. Historical films included Mughal-e-Azam, Jahan Ara and Taj Mahal. Period cinema included films like Saheb, Bibi Aur Ghulam, Dil Diya Dard Liye, Sanghursh and Pakeezah. Muslim Socials like Ghazal, Mere Mehboob, Mere Huzoor and Palki. Costume drama like Amrapali and Raaj Kumar was yet another high-point of 1960s. Nargis, hailed as First Lady of Indian Cinema, and Raj Kapoor, the Eternal Tramp, both became international stars. Even their films were not shown. Musical is just one genre in Western Cinema, but songs are integral to Indian Cinema. Song picturisation is a great art and technique that has been perfected by the Indian film-makers. Ghar aya mera pardesi, the dream-sequence in Awara, created waves of sensation. Songs are the soul of Indian Cinema. The government could have been more imaginative in showcasing the Best in Hindi Cinema.