Rare facts from filmdom

1) First Indian feature film

'Raja Harishchandra' is the first full length Indian feature film. The film was directed by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (better known as Dadasaheb Phalke). The film was based on the legend of Harishchandra.

2) India's First talkie film

India's first talkie film was 'Alam Ara' (Light of the Universe). It was produced and directed by Ardeshir Marwan Irani. The movie was released on March 14, 1931 at the Majestic cinema in Bombay. The black-and-white film had as its cast some of the popular stars of the silent era like Prithviraj Kapoor, L.V. Prasad, W.M. Khan, Master Vithal and Zubeida.

3) First colour film

The first colour film to be made in India was 'Kisan Kanya' in the year 1937. The film was produced by Imperial Film Co and was directed by Moti B. Gidwani. The film had a run time of 137 minutes.

4) Film with most number of songs

Madan Theatres' 'Indra Sabha' had 71 songs is the film It is still date, the film with the most number of songs. The film was made in 1932 and the director of the film was J.J. Madan.

'Indra Sabha' had two singers Master Nissar and Jehanara Kajjan. The cast includes Nissar, Jehanara Kajjan and Abdul Rehman Kabuli

5) First Indian to get an Oscar

Bhanu Athaiya was awarded the Oscar for Best Costume Designer. She was part of the team of designers for Richard Attenborough's film 'Gandhi' in 1982. Satyajit Ray was awarded an Honorary Oscar for Life Achievement in 1991.