Ram Mohan

Ram Mohan is a pioneering figure in Indian animation, widely recognized as the 'father of Indian animation.' His career, beginning in the 1950s, was foundational in establishing a professional animation industry in India. After training under the Disney animator Clair Weeks at the Cartoon Films Unit of the Films Division of India, Mohan developed a distinctive style that blended traditional Indian artistic motifs with modern animation techniques. His early work, including the iconic animated title sequence for 'The Jungle Book' (1967) directed by Zafar Hai, demonstrated his skill and helped put Indian animation on the global map. In 1972, he co-founded Ram Mohan Biographics, which became a crucial training ground and production house for a generation of Indian animators. His studio produced significant works like the animated short 'The Flame' (1975) and contributed to international projects, including the animation for Richard Williams' 'The Thief and the Cobbler.' Mohan's most celebrated directorial work is arguably 'Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama' (1992), an Indo-Japanese co-production that is revered for its artistic rendition of the epic. His later venture, Graphiti Multimedia, continued to push digital animation boundaries. Beyond production, his advocacy and mentorship through institutions like the National Institute of Design were instrumental in professionalizing the field. His legacy is not defined by box office hits but by creating an entire ecosystem for animation in India, inspiring countless artists and ensuring the medium's growth as a respected form of cinematic expression.