About this stamp
19 October 1903 – 25 November 1981
Birthplace: Bhagalpur, Bengal, British India
Honour: Awarded the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1978
Early Life and Background
Rai Chand Boral was born in Bhagalpur during the British era and grew up immersed in classical music traditions. His deep understanding of melody and rhythm laid the foundation for a career that would later transform the soundscape of Indian cinema.
Contribution to Indian Film Music
Widely hailed as the “Bhishma Pitamah of Bollywood film music,” R.C. Boral played a pioneering role in shaping the early musical style of Indian films. As a leading composer at New Theatres in Calcutta, he introduced innovative techniques, blending classical music with cinematic storytelling.
He is credited with playing a crucial role in the development of playback singing and elevating film music into a respected art form. His compositions left a lasting imprint on the golden age of Indian cinema.
Honours and Recognition
For his monumental contribution to Indian music and cinema, Rai Chand Boral received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1978, the highest honour in Indian film arts.
Commemorative Postage Stamp
A commemorative postage stamp was issued in honour of Rai Chand Boral as part of the series ‘100 Years of Indian Cinema’. This stamp celebrates his legendary legacy as the father figure of Bollywood film music and his enduring influence on generations of composers.
