The First Indian sound Flim

Alam Ara was the first Indian talkie – that is, the first Indian sound film. Until the release of Alam Ara, only silent movies
were being released in India. Alam Ara was released in 1931. Alam Ara means ‘World’s best jewel’. The film was directed by Ardeshir Irani.         
    The film was advertised with a tag line
All living!Breathing!100% talking!” Alam Ara was a period Fantasy The aging king of
Kamarpur had two queens and the rivalry
between the two queens as to whose son would inherit the throne was the bone of contention. The film also depicted a love story between a prince and a gypsy girl. It was based on a Parsi play written by Joseph David.
        The film had music by F.M. Mistri and B. Erani. All the Songs in the flim were hit
the most prominent of them being “De de khuda ke naam per”, sung by actor Wazir Khan. He played the role of a fakir in the flim.
 (actors had to be singers too in those days).
       Best studios were not available during those days. Also, there were no noise proof
studios. So the shooting of the film was carried out during nights when calmness prevailed. Songs were not pre-recorded. While the actors-cum-singers sang, harmonium and tabla were played at a hidden place nearby. Since Alam Ara was the first Indian sound film, the film makers had an added responsibility – they needed actors who knew the language! The film was released at the Majestic Cinema in Mumbai. People thronged to view the movie. Police aid had to be summoned to control the crowds!
     The film was ‘full-house’ for eight
consecutive weeks upon its release! Unfortunately there is not even a single copy of the film today…