Dattatray Ambadas Mayalu (born 1932), popularly known as Rajdutt, is an Indian director and producer in the Marathi and Hindi film industries. He directed his first film Madhuchandra in 1967. He is a recipient of three National Film Awards, three Filmfare Award Marathi, twelve Maharashtra State Film Awards, V. Shantaram Award and Zee Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution in Marathi cinema. In 2024, the Government of India, honoured him with Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour for his contributions to Indian culture through performing arts.
Early life Rajdutt was born in Dhamangaon, Wardha district studied commerce before working for the Nagpur daily Tarun Bharat as a subeditor and theatre reviewer. Serving as Raja Paranjpe's assistant for twelve years and appearing in a few of his films, he later recreated Pudhcha Paool.
Career Rajdutt, a prominent figure in Marathi cinema, began his career in Madras, now Chennai, where he established connections with AVM Studios. He ventured into filmmaking in 1967 with Madhuchandra, a successful experiment, and collaborated with Hindi music composer N. Datta for Marathi film music direction.
Following his debut, Rajdutt's career saw ups and downs until Bhalji Pendharkar and Lata Mangeshkar assisted him in producing Gharchi Rani. The film received accolades, including the Maharashtra 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 film Devaki Nandan Gopala transcended Maharashtra, reaching Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, England, and the United States, even being showcased at international festivals like Cannes and Venice. Shapit received recognition from the Russian Council.
Furthermore, Rajdutt ventured into Hindi cinema with Eriya, starring Sharmila Tagore and Mark Juber. His contributions earned him esteem nationally and internationally, making him a singular director in Marathi cinema.
Filmography YearFilmNotes1967MadhuchandraDebut as a director1968Gharchi RaniMaharashtra State Film Award for Best Director1969Aparadh Filmfare Award for Best Film – Marathi1970Dev ManoosDhakti Bahin1971Jhep1973Bholi BhabadiMaharashtra State Film Award for Best DirectorVarhadi Ani Vajantri1975Ya Sukhano Ya1977Devaki Nandan GopalaFilmfare Award for Best Film – Marathi1978Chandra Hota Sakshila1979AshtavinayakMaharashtra State Film Award for Best Second Film1980Bhalu 1981Are Sansar Sansar1982Aplech Daat Aplech OthShapitNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi1983Raghu Maina Maharashtra State Film Award for Best DirectorSasu Varchad JawaiHech Maze Maher1984Mumbaicha FaujdarMaharashtra State Film Award for Best Second Film1985ArdhangiMaharashtra State Film Award for Best Film1986Aaj Zale Mukta MiMaaficha SakshidarMazhe Ghar Mazha SansarPudhcha PaoolNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi1987Anandi AnandSarjaNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi
Awards and honours
1968: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Gharchi Rani 1969: Filmfare Marathi Award for Best Director for Aparadh 1969: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Aparadh 1973: Maharashtra State Film Awards for Best Director for Bholi Bhabdi 1979: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Ashtavinayak 1982: National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi for Shapit 1982: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Shapit 1982: Filmfare Award for Best Director – Marathi for Shapit 1983: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Raghu Maina 1984: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Mumbaicha Faujdar 1985: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Ardhangi 1986: Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director for Aaj Zale Mukta Me 2007: V. Shantaram Award 2012: Zee Chitra Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award 2025: Filmfare Marathi Lifetime Achievement Award
References
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