India's first talkie film 'Alam Ara' marks its 86th anniversary

Yesterday marked 86 years of the word 'talkie' acquiring its true meaning in the history of Indian cinema. On March 14, 1931, Alam Ara, India's first sound film, was released at the Majestic Cinema in Bombay

Yesterday marked 86 years of the word 'talkie' acquiring its true meaning in the history of Indian cinema. On March 14, 1931, Alam Ara, India's first sound film, was released at the Majestic Cinema in Bombay.

Directed by Ardeshir Irani with Prithviraj Kapoor, Master Vithal and Zubeida in the lead roles, the film became so popular that police aid had to summoned to control the crowds.

Unfortunately, the film has been long lost, but anniversaries like these help in call for action. The National Film Archive of India reached out to friends and film lovers yesterday to come together in aid of its search for the footage of the landmark film.

We'll keep our fingers crossed until next year.

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