The journey of Hindi cinema started with Ardeshir Irani’s Alam Ara (1931 ). De de kuda ke naam par is the song in this movie. It is considered the first song in Indian film industry. The music of the movie became highly popular. There was no playback in those days. The actor used to sing their own songs. There was live recording with tabla and harmonium. The equation of music and cinema was established right from the first movie. Music has become an integral part of Indian films.

In 1933, Karma was released. It was through Himushu Roy and Bombay Talkies. It had a kissing scene.

In 1937, Ardeshir Irani released an India processed colours film — Kisan Kanya. It is the first colour film in India.

In 1935, Chandrakant Baruah directed Devdas based on Sharad Chandra’s novel starring Kundanlal Saigal was released. It was popular on account of its music .

An all time classic Pather Panchali of Satyajit Ray was released in 1955. It started the wave of realistic cinema.

In the early 1970’s, Rajesh Khanna gave 15 super-hit movies, and became the Hindi film industry’s first superstar.