Bollywood

Who Was the First Actor to Play Lord Krishna on Screen?

Published

1 month ago

August 16, 2025

Lord Krishna remains one of the most cherished figures in Hindu mythology — a symbol of wisdom, love, mischief, and divinity. From epic texts like the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana, Krishna has found his way into every art form: painting, dance, theater, and eventually cinema. With Indian cinema itself born in mythological roots, it was only natural that Lord Krishna became one of the earliest gods to be portrayed on screen.

But who exactly was the first actor to play Krishna on film? To answer this, we need to revisit the early days of Indian cinema, starting with Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian films.

Mythology and the Birth of Indian Cinema

In 1913, Phalke released “Raja Harishchandra,” the first full-length Indian feature film. Its success encouraged more filmmakers to adapt mythological tales, as audiences were deeply connected with epics and Puranas.

Unlike modern cinema, where romance and action dominate, early Indian films were almost entirely based on gods, saints, and epics. This was because religious and mythological narratives were not only entertaining but also socially acceptable for audiences who were still adjusting to the new medium of film.

The First Screen Krishna: Silent Era (1918–1920s)

The earliest depiction of Lord Krishna came in Phalke’s silent films. Two key movies stand out:

Krishna Janma (1918) – Focused on the birth of Krishna.
Kaliya Mardan (1919) – Showcased child Krishna’s legendary victory over the serpent Kaliya.

In a fascinating twist, Phalke cast his own daughter, Mandakini Phalke, as child Krishna in “Kaliya Mardan.” She is, therefore, recognized as the first actor to play Krishna on screen — though as a child.

When it comes to adult portrayals, credit goes to Dattatraya Damodar Dabke, who worked closely with Phalke and acted in his mythological productions. Dabke is remembered as the first adult male actor to embody Krishna on screen.

Expanding Krishna’s Cinematic Journey

After the silent era, the 1920s and 1930s saw the rise of talkies (sound films), which further amplified Krishna’s presence on screen. Films such as:

Nand Kumar (1921)
Gopal Krishna (1929)
Krishna Bhakti (1935)

helped solidify Krishna’s role as not just a religious character but also a cinematic hero. These films typically depicted his childhood pranks, Rasleela in Vrindavan, and battles against demons.

Krishna in the Early Talkie Era (1930s–1950s)

With the introduction of sound in Indian cinema, mythological films became even more popular. Krishna’s character could now deliver dialogues, recite verses, and perform bhajans — giving audiences a more immersive devotional experience.

Some notable portrayals during this era included:

P. G. Sane in Gopal Krishna (1929).
Ranjan in Krishna Bhakta Sudama (1947).
Abhi Bhattacharya as Krishna in Mahabharat (1965) — a performance that became a benchmark for cinematic portrayals.

Krishna on Television: A Game-Changer (1980s–1990s)

While films kept Krishna alive, it was television that turned him into a household deity in India.

B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988) featured Sarvadaman Banerjee as Krishna. His calm, philosophical portrayal, especially during the Bhagavad Gita sequence, remains iconic.
Ramanand Sagar’s Shri Krishna (1993) cast Swapnil Joshi (as teenage Krishna) and Sarvadaman Banerjee (as adult Krishna). The show ran for years and was re-telecast during the COVID-19 lockdown, gaining a new wave of popularity.

Television made Krishna more accessible, bringing mythological stories to millions of living rooms across India.

Modern Era and Global Adaptations

Today, Krishna continues to appear on OTT platforms, animated films, and global productions. Animated features like Krishna: Makhan Chor and Little Krishna introduced the deity to children in a fresh, playful format.

Modern actors occasionally revisit Krishna in devotional films or stage productions, but none forget the legacy of the first pioneers from Phalke’s era.

Why Krishna Was an Early Cinematic Choice

Krishna’s early popularity in films was no coincidence. Several reasons explain this:

Cultural Familiarity – Audiences already loved Krishna’s stories.
Visual Appeal – Stories of miracles, demons, and divine acts translated well on screen.
Devotional Connect – Watching Krishna on screen felt like an act of worship for many viewers.
Political Symbolism – In colonial India, mythological films carried subtle messages of resistance and nationalism.

Timeline of Krishna on Screen

1918 – Krishna Janma (first Krishna film, silent era).
1919 – Kaliya Mardan – Mandakini Phalke as child Krishna.
1929 – Gopal Krishna – adult Krishna in talkies.
1947 – Krishna Bhakta Sudama – Krishna’s bond with Sudama portrayed.
1965 – Mahabharat film starring Abhi Bhattacharya as Krishna.
1988 – B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharat with Sarvadaman Banerjee.
1993–1996 – Ramanand Sagar’s Shri Krishna TV series.

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Bollywood

Kajal Aggarwal’s Best Movies: 7 Films That Defined Her Career in Bollywood and South Cinema

Published

6 days ago

September 9, 2025

Avni Trivedi

Actress Kajal Aggarwal has once again been in the spotlight after false news of her death went viral on social media. The actress promptly dismissed the rumors, assuring her fans that she is safe and well. Beyond the controversy, Kajal continues to be celebrated for her remarkable journey across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, where she has delivered some of the biggest blockbusters and memorable performances.

Here’s a look at 7 must-watch films that shaped Kajal Aggarwal’s career and established her as one of the most versatile stars in Indian cinema.

1. Singham (2011) – Bollywood Debut Blockbuster

Kajal made a powerful entry into Bollywood with Rohit Shetty’s Singham, opposite Ajay Devgn. The film, which follows the story of an honest cop fighting against a ruthless gangster, was a huge box office success. Kajal’s role as the female lead added charm and freshness to the film.

Director: Rohit Shetty
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kajal Aggarwal

2. Magadheera (2009) – A Timeless Epic

Directed by SS Rajamouli, Magadheera was a game-changer for Kajal. Playing a dual role across two timelines, she won hearts with her grace and performance. The film, co-starring Ram Charan, became one of the biggest blockbusters in Telugu cinema.

Director: SS Rajamouli
Cast: Ram Charan, Kajal Aggarwal

3. Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (2016) – Heartfelt Performance

Although not a commercial hit, this romantic drama showcased Kajal’s emotional depth as an actress. Paired with Randeep Hooda, she played a visually impaired woman whose bond with an ex-MMA fighter forms the crux of the story.

Director: Deepak Tijori
Cast: Randeep Hooda, Kajal Aggarwal

4. Thuppakki (2012) – A Tamil Superhit

This AR Murugadoss directorial starring Thalapathy Vijay was a massive blockbuster and inspired the Bollywood film Holiday. Kajal’s performance as the female lead perfectly complemented Vijay’s action-packed role.

Director: AR Murugadoss
Cast: Thalapathy Vijay, Kajal Aggarwal

5. Special 26 (2013) – Bollywood Success

In Neeraj Pandey’s Special 26, Kajal starred opposite Akshay Kumar. The film, inspired by real-life events of a con gang, became a blockbuster and was praised for its sharp storytelling and strong ensemble cast.

Director: Neeraj Pandey
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal

6. Mr Perfect (2011) – Chemistry with Prabhas

This romantic drama starring Prabhas, Taapsee Pannu, and Kajal Aggarwal was a big commercial success. Kajal’s chemistry with Prabhas stood out, and the love triangle storyline resonated with audiences.

Director: Dasaradh
Cast: Prabhas, Kajal Aggarwal, Taapsee Pannu

7. Nene Raju Nene Mantri (2017) – Political Thriller

Kajal delivered one of her career-best performances in this Teja directorial, alongside Rana Daggubati. The film revolved around the rise of a common man to political power, with Kajal playing a pivotal role as his wife.

Director: Teja
Cast: Rana Daggubati, Kajal Aggarwal

Kajal Aggarwal’s Legacy in Indian Cinema

From larger-than-life blockbusters like Magadheera and Thuppakki to emotionally rich performances in Do Lafzon Ki Kahani and Nene Raju Nene Mantri, Kajal Aggarwal has proven her versatility across industries. With over 15 years in the film industry, she has worked with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, Tollywood, and Kollywood.

Her journey reflects not just stardom but also her ability to balance mainstream masala films with performance-oriented roles. Today, Kajal remains one of the most loved and bankable actresses in Indian cinema.

Bollywood

Police Station Mein Bhoot: Ram Gopal Varma Reunites with Manoj Bajpayee After 27 Years | First Poster Out

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

Avni Trivedi

The iconic Satya duo – filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) and actor Manoj Bajpayee – are reuniting on screen after 27 long years. Their upcoming film, titled Police Station Mein Bhoot, marks their collaboration in a brand-new genre: horror comedy.

RGV and Manoj Bajpayee Back Together

Ram Gopal Varma, who gave Manoj Bajpayee one of his most memorable roles in the 1998 cult classic Satya, is now bringing him back in a never-seen-before avatar. The director took to Instagram to announce the film, sharing the first video poster and unveiling the first-look poster with fans.

Police Station Mein Bhoot: Cast and Crew

The film is a horror comedy that features:

Manoj Bajpayee in the lead
Genelia D’Souza, making a strong comeback
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma
Produced by Karma Media & Entertainment, U Entertainment, and Vauve Emirates

Shooting Commences

The makers confirmed that shooting officially began today, September 1, 2025. RGV captioned his announcement post:
“Back with Manoj Bajpayee after Satya… this time for a horror comedy: Police Station Mein Bhoot. Shoot begins now.”

The Buzz Around the Reunion

Fans are excited to see Manoj Bajpayee reunite with the director who played a pivotal role in his early career. Given Bajpayee’s versatility and RGV’s flair for experimental cinema, Police Station Mein Bhoot has already generated significant curiosity. The genre blend of horror with comedy is expected to offer audiences a refreshing cinematic experience.

With Police Station Mein Bhoot, Ram Gopal Varma is making a strong attempt at reinventing himself in a genre he hasn’t explored much. Meanwhile, Manoj Bajpayee, fresh from his success in web series and critically acclaimed films, steps into the horror-comedy space for the first time. The pairing of RGV’s experimental storytelling with Bajpayee’s powerhouse acting is being seen as one of the most exciting collaborations of 2025.

Bollywood

Param Sundari X review: Know what netizens say about Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra’s romantic drama

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2025

Avni Trivedi

Bollywood’s much-awaited romantic drama ‘Param Sundari’, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra, finally hit the silver screens on Friday, August 29, 2025. Directed and co-written by Tushar Jalota, the film has been one of the most talked-about projects of the year, thanks to its striking visuals, soulful music, and sizzling chemistry between the lead pair.

Apart from Janhvi and Sidharth, the film also features a stellar supporting cast including Sanjay Kapoor, Manjot Singh, Inayat Verma, and Rajeev Khandelwal in pivotal roles. The makers had created significant buzz with chartbuster songs, stunning trailers, and glimpses of Kerala’s lush landscapes. Naturally, fans flocked to theatres on the first day to watch the romantic saga unfold.

What Netizens Are Saying on X (Twitter Review)

As soon as the first-day shows ended, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with reactions. Interestingly, the film has received a mixed response — while some praised the film’s grandeur and emotional depth, others felt it leaned heavily on glamour and predictable tropes.

One user wrote:
“#ParamSundari delivers a mix of glamour, emotions & entertainment. Engaging first half with catchy music, while the drama intensifies in the second half. Performances shine, especially the leads. A paisa-vasool watch for the masses.”

Another user praised the visual appeal and lead chemistry, tweeting:
“#ParamSundari is a well-made entertainer with crackling SidNaaz chemistry, chartbuster Pardesiya, Kerala’s breathtaking visuals & a spectacular VallamKali finale. Janhvi Kapoor’s career-best act + Sidharth Malhotra’s charm seal the deal. Box Office: Strong trend expected.”

Audience Highlights & Key Takeaways

Janhvi Kapoor’s Performance: Many viewers feel this is one of Janhvi’s most matured performances till date. Her balance of glamour, innocence, and emotional intensity has impressed audiences.
Sidharth Malhotra’s Charm: Sidharth’s effortless screen presence and romantic sequences have resonated with fans, making the pair’s chemistry one of the highlights of the film.
Visual Grandeur: The breathtaking shots of Kerala, including the iconic Vallam Kali boat race sequence, have been hailed as a cinematic treat.
Music & Dance Numbers: Songs like “Pardesiya” are already trending, adding to the overall mass appeal of the film.

Final Verdict

While ‘Param Sundari’ may not be universally acclaimed by critics, it is shaping up to be a crowd-pleaser. With its blend of romance, high-voltage drama, foot-tapping music, and picturesque visuals, the film has all the makings of a box office success. Early trends suggest that the film could enjoy a strong opening weekend, especially among youth and family audiences.

For now, it looks like Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra’s fresh pairing has struck the right chord, even if the film itself has drawn divided opinions.