Pune: It is a treasure trove of sorts that opens a window into the glorious past of Marathi Cinema of the 1940s and 50s. A collection of thousand precious photographs by veteran photographer SM Ajrekar has found its way to NFAI collection, thanks to the generous donation by Mrs Shambhavi Bal, daughter of SM Ajrekar.

Prakash Magdum, Director of NFAI, termed the collection as extraordinary, given the quality of these photographs and said, “It is a really invaluable addition to NFAI’s ever-growing collection of Indian cinematic heritage.” In an intimate function held at the archive today, the Director NFAI felicitated Shambhavi Bal with a certificate of acknowledgement for contributing archival material to NFAI.

SM Ajrekar worked as a photographer in Pune for Navyug and the Prabhat Film Company. Active between 1942 and 1956, Ajrekar worked as a still photographer on several films. His major films include Jaga Bhadyane Dene Aahe (1949), Var Pahije (1950), Sharada (1951), Narveer Tanaji (1952), Een Meen Sadeteen (1954) and Teen Mule (1954).

Most of the photographs are printed with a matte finish and showcase his skill in playing with light and shade. All of the photographs have been preserved in good condition without any damage.

Shambhavi Bal, speaking of her father, stated, “Although he was talented, my father was never fond of being in the limelight. He was determined, as an artist, to passionately and sincerely work on every aspect of the job at hand and took his art very seriously. He also made it a point to nurture and preserve his work with utmost care, as if it were his own child.” Mrs Bal also revealed that her father liked to experiment with lighting and photography.

NFAI Director Prakash Magdum, on this occasion, also made an appeal to cine-lovers to come forward and contribute such material to NFAI for preservation, so that it can be saved for future generations.