World’s leading search engine Google turned 25 on September 27, 2023. Like every other landmark event, Google designed a doodle to celebrate this milestone. It was an intelligent design where the double ‘O’s in the word Google was replaced by the number 25. On the very same day, while mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, I saw a reel that had all the Google Doodles created to celebrate special days relevant to Indian Cinema.

The germ of this article lies there.

But before we dive in, here is a little trivia about the doodles. Google Doodles originated in 1998 when Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, decided to place a simple, stick figure-like image of the Burning Man festival behind the second “o” in Google’s logo to inform users of their absence from the office. This playful gesture was well-received, and it marked the beginning of what would become a tradition of celebrating notable events, holidays, anniversaries, and individuals with creatively designed variations of the Google logo. Over the years, Google Doodles have grown in complexity and artistry, serving as a platform to showcase and commemorate a wide range of cultural, historical, and scientific milestones. Today, they continue to captivate and educate millions of users worldwide.

Now without further ado, I would love to jump into some of my favourite Google Doodles On Indian Cinema: 

The Doodle for Sridevi’s 60th Birthday

Artist: Bhumika Mukherjee

Date:  August 13 2023

This Doodle will bring back fond memories of watching the catchy dance number – ‘Mere Hathon Men Nau Nau Churiyan’ from Yash Chopra’s timeless romance Chandni. This doodle celebrated the 60th birth anniversary of Sridevi. Often regarded as the “First Female Superstar” of Indian Cinema, she made an indelible mark on the film industry with her exceptional talent and versatility. Her career spanned over four decades, during which she starred in over 300 films in various Indian languages.

Sridevi’s magnetic presence on screen, impeccable acting skills, and ability to portray a wide range of characters, from playful to intense, earned her numerous accolades and a massive fan following. She is celebrated for her iconic roles in films like Chandni, Chalbaaz, Lamhe, English Vinglish and Mr. India. Her contribution to Indian Cinema transcends borders, as she also ventured into international projects. Sridevi’s untimely demise in 2018 left a void that is impossible to fill, but her legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and remains an integral part of the rich tapestry of Indian cinema.

The Doodle for Madhubala’s 86th birthday

Artist : Muhammed Sajid

Date: February 14 2019

Born as Mumtaz Jehan Dehlavi in 1933, and brought up in the slums of Mumbai, Madhubala was an iconic actress in Indian Cinema whose life and work left an indelible mark on the industry. She began her acting career at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her beauty and talent. Her breakout performance in the film Mahal made her an overnight sensation. In 1952, Theatre Arts Magazine bestowed the title of ‘The Biggest Star in the World’.

Madhubala’s most notable role came in the film Mughal-e-Azam, where she played the character of Anarkali.  Her ethereal beauty and exceptional acting skills captivated audiences nationwide. She is often remembered as the “Venus of Indian Cinema” and her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. Despite her untimely death in 1969, Madhubala’s contribution to Indian Cinema remains timeless, making her an enduring legend in the history of Bollywood.

The Doodle for Sivaji Ganesan’s 93rd Birthday

Artist : Noorpur Rajesh Choksi

Date: October 1st  2021

Also known as “Nadigar Thilagam,” Sivaji Ganesan was a legendary figure in Tamil cinema whose contributions left an indelible mark on the industry. Born in 1928, Ganesan’s acting career spanned over five decades, during which he portrayed a wide range of characters with remarkable versatility and depth. His impeccable acting skills and powerful screen presence earned him numerous accolades, including several National Film Awards.

Ganesan was known for his ability to effortlessly switch between various roles, from heroic leads to complex character roles, showcasing his extraordinary talent. His memorable performances in films like Veera Pandiya Kattabomman and Deiva Magan are still celebrated today. Sivaji Ganesan’s legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and remains an integral part of Tamil cinema’s rich history. The Indian government awarded him with the Dada Saheb Phalke award and the French government awarded him with its highest civilian honour, Legion de Honor.

The Doodle for V. Shantaram’s 116th Birthday

Artist: Sukanto Debnath

Date: November 18th 2017

V. Shantaram, born Rajaram Vankudre Shantaram on November 18, 1901, was a pioneering figure in Indian cinema whose contributions left an indelible mark on the industry. As a director, actor, and producer, Shantaram played a pivotal role in the development of Indian cinema during the early 20th century. His notable directorial works, such as Duniya Na Mane, Amar Bhoopali, and Do Aankhen Barah Haath, showcased his innovative storytelling and social consciousness. He was also instrumental in introducing sound and colour to Indian cinema. Beyond his filmmaking talents, Shantaram was a visionary who used his craft to address important societal issues, advocating for change and social reform. His dedication to the art form and commitment to addressing critical issues through film continues to inspire generations of filmmakers in India and around the world, making him an enduring icon in the history of Indian cinema.

The Google Doodle celebrates the enduring impact of V. Shantaram on Indian cinema. The doodle combines the protagonists of films like Amar Bhopali, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, and Do Aankhen Baara Heath.

The Doodle for Dada Saheb Phalke’s 148th Birth Anniversary

Artist: Aleesha Nandhra 

Date: April 30th 2018

Dada Saheb Phalke is widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema. Inspired by the magic of the Lumière Brothers’ films, he embarked on a journey to create India’s first feature film. Facing financial and technical challenges, he persisted with his vision and, in 1913, released Raja Harishchandra, a silent film that marked the birth of the Indian film industry. Phalke’s determination, creativity, and pioneering spirit not only led to the creation of this groundbreaking film but also laid the foundation for Indian cinema’s growth. He was influenced by the paintings of Raja Ravi Verma. His keen interest in mythology led to the creation of special effects that are generally associated with mythological stories. 

His contributions to Indian cinema include not only producing and directing several films but also establishing the Phalke Film Company, which played a significant role in shaping the early film industry in India. Dadasaheb Phalke’s legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and remains an integral part of the rich cinematic heritage of India. In order to celebrate his legacy, the Indian government introduced the Dada Saheb Phalke Awards as the highest honour to be bestowed upon film personalities.

The Doodle for Alam Ara’s 80th  Anniversary

Artist: (not mentioned)

Date: March 14th 2011

The Jazz Singer is the first sound film created by Hollywood. Similarly, Alam Ara released in 1931, is the first Indian talkie. It holds immense historical significance in the realm of Indian cinema. Directed by Ardeshir Irani, this pioneering film marked the transition from silent cinema to sound, introducing synchronized sound and music to Indian audiences. Its release revolutionized the Indian film industry, forever changing the way stories were told on screen.

Alam Ara was a cultural milestone, opening up new possibilities for storytelling, character development, and the use of music in Indian cinema. Its success paved the way for the flourishing of the sound era in Bollywood and laid the foundation for the vibrant and diverse world of Indian cinema we know today.

The Doodle for Satyajit Ray’s 92nd Birthday

Artist: (Not mentioned)

Date: May 2nd 2013

As a Bengali, there are certain images that make up my cultural constitution. This Google Doodle portrays the moment that Panther Panchali’s  Apu and Durga spot the steam engine from a distance, for the first time. They are seen running through a field of ‘Kas’ flowers (a kind of tall grass profusely found in Bengal). Directed by the world-renowned auteur Satyajit Ray, the usage of the steam engine in this sequence signifies the ushering of modernity in 19th-century Bengal. This doodle was created on Satyajit Ray’s 92nd birthday as a tribute to his immense contribution to putting Bengali, in turn, Indian Cinema on the world map. He is best known for his Apu Trilogy, which showcased his mastery of storytelling and cinematic artistry.

Ray’s films were known for their realism, depth, and exploration of human emotions. He introduced Indian cinema to the international stage, winning numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Honorary Award. Beyond his directorial talents, Ray was a prolific writer, composer, and illustrator, further enriching Indian cinema with his multifaceted creativity. His work continues to inspire filmmakers worldwide and remains a cornerstone of India’s cinematic heritage.

The Doodle for Meena Kumari’s 85th Birthday

Artist: (not mentioned)

Date: August 1st 2018

Meena Kumari, often referred to as the “Tragedy Queen” of Indian cinema, made an enduring contribution to the film industry through her exceptional acting prowess. She was a versatile actress who effortlessly portrayed a wide range of complex characters, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Her performances in classics like Pakeezah and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam are etched in the annals of Indian cinema history. Apart from her acting talent, Meena Kumari was also a gifted poetess under the pseudonym “Naaz,” and her poetry is celebrated for its depth and emotional resonance. Her poetic achievements, often reflecting her own struggles and experiences, add another layer to her legacy, making her an iconic figure in the world of Indian cinema and literature.

Please note that the Google Doodles chosen for this list are according to my personal liking and this article is not sponsored by Google. Having said that, these artistic representations have made a lasting impact on my mind. I hope that you enjoy the list. 

This article was originally published on October 2nd, 2023 in ‘Spotlight Central’, and now it is republished in a collabaration with Cinema and Beyond.