Mumbai, October 29, 2025: In a united stand to protect the legacy of Indian cinema’s founding father, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have issued a strong advisory cautioning the film fraternity against the misuse of the revered name of Late Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Ji by certain private award organizers for commercial gain.
This move comes in response to an appeal from Mr. Chandrashekhar Pusalkar, grandson of Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Ji, who expressed deep distress over the unauthorized and unethical use of his grandfather’s name. Mr. Pusalkar clarified that only the Government of India’s official “Dadasaheb Phalke Award” holds authenticity, and any other award or event using the same name is illegitimate and misleading to artists, sponsors, and the public.
The associations have extended their full support to Mr. Pusalkar, emphasizing that such exploitation not only deceives the industry but also disrespects the legacy of the pioneer who laid the foundation of Indian cinema. Members of the film fraternity have been urged to refrain from endorsing or attending any privately organized “Dadasaheb Phalke” award events without proper authorization.
The statement gains further significance following reports about the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), which recently announced its upcoming event on October 30, 2025. IMPPA and FWICE have expressed grave concern over ongoing criminal cases and FIRs reportedly filed against its founders, Anil Mishra and Abhishek Mishra, including two rape cases registered against Abhishek Mishra within the last six months.
The associations alleged that artists are often misled into attending these events, and large sponsorship amounts are solicited under the pretext of celebrity participation — actions that tarnish the name of Dadasaheb Phalke Ji and bring disrepute to the Indian film industry.
In their joint statement, the associations reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the sanctity and legacy of Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Ji, urging all industry stakeholders to remain vigilant and united against any misuse of his name for personal or profit-driven ventures.
