Enamel boards

He had by now started the manufacture of enamel boards the basic knowledge of which he had obtained at Kala Bhavan, Baroda, some forty years back. “While I was experimenting with Photo – Mechanical process, I came across a small book on ‘Photo-Ceramics’ in the Kala Bhavan Library”, says Phalke (Kesari 1934). “After some experiments, I was able to prepare the finished photo ceramics. Prof. Gajjar not only appreciated my work but even offered my scholarship for that.” This was alright as an experiment but for starting This industry, “I had not only to use all my saving but had to take some loan to make up the initial capital of about eight thousand rupees Phalke says in Kesari 1934. Phalke’s enamel boards were appreciated by the Director of Industries. The boards were also put before the public in the Classified Trades Exhibition’ held in Bombay and the ‘Industrial Exhibition’held at Poona then. But mere appreciation was not enough. To expand the business, Phalke had to face the challenge of finance. “I had become wires by previous with financiers. But since I was required to arrange for only 10,000 to 20,000 rupees for my ‘working capital’ felt it will not be difficult as in the past” says Phalke in Kesari issue of 1934. But the progress of the enamel board production does not seem to have gone as per plan, be cause towards the end of 1934 Phalke accepted a direct Gangavataran for Kolhapur Cinetone –to be produced in Hindi and Marathi.