As Indian cinema turns 100, we look back at some personalities who have been instrumental in making Bollywood what it is today.


Dadasaheb Phalke: It is because of him that we are celebrating the centenary of Indian cinema. On May 3, 1913, India's first full-length feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' was produced, directed and written by him. He went on make 'Mohini Bhasmasur' (1913), 'Satyavan Savitri' (1914), 'Lanka Dahan. (1917), 'Shri Krishna Janma' (1918) and 'Kaliya Mardan' (1919), and is aptly referred to as the father of Indian cinema. The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award was initiated in his honour in 1969


Bimal Roy: One of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema, Roy made realistic and socialistic masterpieces like 'Do Bigha Zamin' (1953), 'Parineeta' (1953), 'Madhumati' (1958), 'Sujata' (1959), and Bandini (1963). His films have gone on to become cult classics


V. Shantaram: Credited with making some of the most critically-acclaimed films of Hindi cinema, Shantaram's best works include 'Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani' (1946), 'Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje' (1955), 'Do Aankhen Barah Haath' (1957) and 'Navrang' (1959). Following his death in 1990, the V. Shantaram Award was constituted in his honour


Mehboob Khan: Best remembered for his Oscar-nominated classic 'Mother India' (1957), Khan also directed other memorable films like 'Andaz' (1949), 'Aan' (1951) and Amar (1954). The famous Mehboob Studio in Bandra was founded by him


Guru Dutt: He died aged 39, but had done enough by then to be recognised as a Bollywood icon. The actor-director-producer gave us classics like 'Pyaasa' (1957), 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' (1959), 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand' (1960) and 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' (1962), which are regarded amongst the greatest films of Hindi cinema


Chetan Anand: The elder brother of Dev Anand and Vijay Anand, Chetan made a much acclaimed debut as director with 'Neecha Nagar' (1946), and is unofficially credited with having made the best war movie in Hindi cinema - 'Haqeeqat' (1964). His other noted films include 'Heer Raanjha' (1970), 'Hanste Zakhm' (1973), and 'Hindustan Ki Kasam' (1973). He also revived Rajesh Khanna's sinking career temporarily with the 1981 hit 'Kudrat'. This was years after he had introduced Khanna to Bollywood with 'Aakhri Khat' (1966)


Ashok Kumar: Dadamoni, as he was fondly called, lived a lifetime on screen. He began by playing the lead role in movies like 'Achhut Kanya' (1936), 'Jhoola' (1941) and 'Mahal' (1949), was India's first anti- hero in 'Kismet' (1943), portrayed the suave criminal or police officer in the 50s, before shifting focus to memorable character roles in movies like 'Khatta Meetha' (1978), 'Khoobsurat' (1980) and 'Mr. India' (1987) among many others


Dev Anand: A man of many talents, Anand acted in some of the most memorable films of his time -- 'Baazi' (1951), 'Taxi Driver' (1954), 'C.I.D' (1956), 'Kala Pani' (1958), 'Hum Dono' (1961) and 'Guide' (1965) -- the list is endless. As a director, he is credited with giving new actresses their big ticket to fame. 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' (1971) made Zeenat Aman a star, while 'Des Pardes' (1978) proved to be the perfect launch vehicle for Tina Munim


Prithviraj Kapoor: With him began the legacy of the Kapoor family. Prithviraj was part of India's first film talkie, 'Alam Ara' (1931). He went on to play Alexander the Great in Sohrab Modi's 'Sikandar' (1941), but, above all, he is remembered for portraying Mughal emperor Akbar in Mughal-e-Azam. Kapoor's deep, baritone voice was his USP. Prithvi Theatre was established by son Shashi Kapoor in memory of Prithviraj


Raj Kapoor: Aptly known as the showman of Bollywood, Kapoor acted in, directed and produced some of the greatest Hindi movies. 'Aag' (1948), 'Barsaat' (1949), 'Awara' (1951), 'Shree 420' (1955), 'Sangam' (1964) and 'Bobby' (1973) and a few examples of his works of genius


Dilip Kumar: A thespian of Bollywood, Kumar could pull off the most challenging of roles with effortless ease. Whether it was the doomed lover in 'Devdas' (1955), the rebellious prince in 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960) or his contrasting dual roles in 'Ram Aur Shyam' (1967), Kumar was always top notch


Pran: In a career spanning five decades, Pran did every conceivable role, and with great conviction. He was the romantic hero in his earlier films - 'Khandan' (1942) among others, the villain in a number of films starring Shammi Kapoor and the supporting character in numerous movies featuring Amitabh Bachchan. There have been few more versatile actors in Bollywood


Madhubala: The eternal beauty is regarded as the most graceful actress to have been part of Bollywood, even four decades after she passed away. During a cherished career, Madhubala went on to star in numerous classics like 'Mahal' (1949), 'Mr. & Mrs. '55' (1955), 'Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi' (1958) and 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960). Generation after generation of actresses refer to this 'Anarkali' as their role model


Kishore Kumar: A maverick, he could sing, dance and act, all with great flair. Of course, Kishoreda would be most remembered for his melodious voice, which rendered innumerable classic songs. Picking out a few would be unfair since he has sung so many great numbers. Even over 25 years after his death, singers continue taking inspiration from Kumar's songs, although some of the remixes don't exactly do justice to his legendary numbers


Nargis: One of the greatest actors of Hindi cinema, Nargis is most remembered for her portrayal of the poverty-stricken village woman in 'Mother India' (1957). She also starred in other classic films like 'Aag' (1948), 'Barsaat' (1949), 'Awaara' (1951) and 'Shree 420' (1955), and had a mesmerising screen presence


Vyjayanthimala: Widely regarded as one of the first female super stars of Hindi cinema, Vyjayanthimala was part of some of the biggest hits in the 50's and 60's. These include 'Devdas' (1955), 'Naya Daur' (1957), 'Madhumati' (1958), 'Sangam' (1964) and 'Jewel Thief' (1967) among others. Vyjayanthimala's pairing with Dilip Kumar was a super hit


Meena Kumari: The tragedy queen of Bollywood, Kumari's personal and professional life mirrored each other. She not only played tragic roles, but lived a tragic life as well. Three weeks after 'Pakeezah' released, she died of liver cirrhosis, aged 39. However, she left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema with her films 'Baiju Bawra' (1952), 'Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi' (1960), 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' (1962) and 'Phool Aur Patthar' (1966), etc


Nutan: She is considered amongst the finest actors of Hindi cinema, and deservedly so. Her body of work includes gems like 'Sujata' (1959), 'Anari' (1959), 'Chhalia' (1960) 'Bandini' (1963), 'Milan' (1967) and 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki' (1978). Even while playing supporting characters in her later years, she made a mark, notably in 'Meri Jung' (1985), 'Naam' (1986) and 'Karma' (1986)


Waheeda Rehman: She looked stunning on screen, and her performances were equally radiant. Rehman's best work came in the company of the legendary Guru Dutt - 'Pyaasa' (1957), 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' (1959), 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' and 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand' (1961). She also made a serious impression in memorable films like 'Guide' (1965), 'Neel Kamal' (1968) and 'Khamoshi' (1969)


Sanjeev Kumar: One of the greatest actors of Indian cinema, versatility was Kumar's forte. He was funny to the hilt in 'Seeta Geeta' (1972) and 'Angoor' (1982), and pulled off exceedingly challenging serious roles in 'Koshish' (1972) and 'Sholay' (1975) like only a genius could. Few actors managed to get into the skin of the character as Kumar did. He could play a father, son or husband to the same actress with nonchalant ease. There will never be another like him again


Rajesh Khanna: Kaka's superstardom lasted merely three years and 15 films. However, even in that short span of time he achieved unparalleled fame, enough for him to be anointed the first superstar of Hindi cinema. From the eternal romantic in 'Aradhana' (1969) to the happy-go-lucky cancer patient in 'Anand' (1971) to the disillusioned businessman seeking love in 'Amar Prem' (1972), Khanna portrayed diverse roles at his peak, and became the darling of the masses


Amitabh Bachchan: The man who stole Rajesh Khanna's thunder, Big B went on to dominate the Hindi film industry in the 70's and 80's. Starting with 'Zanjeer' (1973), he acted in most of the commercial successful movies over the next decade, alternating between hard-hitting and comic roles while having no qualms playing the anti-hero as well. Evergreen films like 'Sholay', (1975), 'Deewar' (1975), 'Amar Akbar Anthony' (1977), 'Trishul' (1978), Don, (1978) 'Namak Halaal' (1982) and 'Sharaabi' (1984) established him as the superstar of that era


Smita Patil: She was only 31 when she died of birth complications. However, her body of work defied her age. Whether it were her hard-hitting roles in parallel cinema -- 'Bhumika' (1977), 'Bazaar' (1982), 'Arth' (1984) and 'Mirch Masala' (1987) - or her performance in mainstream movies like 'Shakti' (1982) and 'Namak Halaal' (1982), Patil flourished in everything she did


Rekha: From being called ugly to be proclaimed as sexy, Rekha has seen it all. As for her acting prowess, she is right up there among the best. From the effervescent youngster in 'Khubsoorat' (1980) to the beautiful courtesan in 'Umrao Jaan' (1981), and from the revenge-seeking wife in 'Khoon Bhari Maang' (1988) to the baddie in 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi' (1996), Rekha pulled off every role with dynamism


Lata Mangeshkar: Often referred to as the 'Nightingale of India', Lata sang for around seven decades in Hindi cinema, apart from giving her voice to regional movies as well. Expectedly, she has given innumerable hits, and it would be difficult to shortlist a few. For the record, 'Aayega Aanewaala' from 'Mahal' (1949) was among her first major hits and she played a role in immortalising 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960) by giving her voice to 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya'. It is impossible to pay a tribute to Lata Mangeshar in a few words. Period


Asha Bhosle: RD Burman once referred to Asha as the Gary Sobers of singing while terming Lata as Don Bradman. Coming from a legend like Panchamda, it is enough to conclude how versatile Asha's singing is. Her career spanned six decades, and she has given her voice to practically every leading lady of each era. Asha's award-winning songs comprise 'Parde Mein Rehne Do' from 'Shikar' (1968), 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' from 'Caravan' (1971), 'Dum Maro Dum' from 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' (1972), 'Yeh Mera Dil' from 'Don' (1978), 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai' from 'Umrao Jaan' (1981) and 'Mera Kuch Samaan' from 'Ijaazat' (1987)


B. R. Chopra: The late filmmaker made moves with soul and a social message. 'Naya Daur' (1957) dealt with the man vs machine theme, 'Kanoon' (1980) presented a case against capital punishment, 'Pati Patni Aur Who' (1978) stressed on relationships in a lighter vein and 'Insaaf Ka Tarazu' (1980) depicted the plight of rape victims and their struggle for justice


Yash Chopra: B.R. Chopra's younger brother is credited with bringing romance back to Bollywood. In an era where violence had gained prominence on screen, Chopra's love tale 'Chandni' (1989) turned the tide for Hindi cinema. In an earlier period, Chopra directed classics in different genres -- 'Waqt' (1965), 'Ittefaq' (1969), 'Deewar' (1975) and 'Mashaal' (1984). His experiment with a psychological thriller 'Darr' (1993) was also a highly commendable one


Prakash Mehra: The late filmmaker is widely credited as being the one who kickstarted Big B's career. Mehra directed Amitabh Bachchan in 'Zanjeer' (1973), 'Muqaddar Ka Sikander' (1978), 'Laawaris' (1981), 'Namak Halaal' (1982) and 'Sharaabi' (1984), all of which were super hits


Ramesh Sippy: He gave Bollywood its most loved film, and one of the most successful ever in Indian cinema. 'Sholay' (1975) had everything a film aficionado could ask for. Even though Sippy could never replicate Sholay's success, he did make some memorable movies before and after the epic - 'Andaz' (1971), 'Seeta Aur Geeta' (1972), 'Shaan' (1980), 'Shakti' (1982) and 'Saagar' (1985)


S. D. Burman: It's a known fact that Sachin Tendulkar was named after this great music director. From the 50's to the 70's, S.D. defined melody in Hindi cinema, giving outstanding music in films like 'Taxi Driver' (1954), Pyaasa (1957), 'Kala Paani' (1958), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), 'Bandini' (1963), 'Guide' (1965), 'Aradhana' (1969), 'Tere Mere Sapne' (1971), 'Abhimaan' (1973) and 'Chupke Chupke' (1975) among many others


R.D. Burman: S.D. Burman's son replicated his father's success, albeit in an altogether different manner. If S.D. was soulful, Pancham preferred to be peppier, in sync with changing times. Having said that he was highly versatile, and could compose any type of music keeping the tone of the situation in mind. Beginning with 'Aradhana' (1969), he gave unforgettable music in innumerable movies. So of them are 'Caravan' (1971), 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat' (1973), 'Aap Ki Kasam' (1974), 'Khel Khel Mein' (1975), 'Sanam Teri Kasam' (1982), 'Masoom' (1984) and of course his last work '1942: A Love Story' (1994)

Hrishikesh Mukherjee: He's chiefly responsible for helping middle-class cinema find a place in Bollywood. With light-hearted yet thought-provoking comedies like 'Gol Maal' (1979) and 'Khubsoorat' (1980), he enthralled the cinegoer. Hrishida also made many other classic films, which ranged from socially-relevant ones to comic capers -- 'Satyakam' (1969), 'Anand' (1970), 'Bawarchi'(1972), 'Namak Haraam' (1973) and 'Chupke Chupke' (1975) being among them


Basu Chatterjee Chatterjee and Hrishida were on par when it came to making off-beat cinema. Chatterjee captured the sensibilities of the middle-class to near perfection in his classic movies like 'Rajnigandha' (1974), 'Chitchor' (1976), 'Chhoti Si Baat' (1976), Khatta Meetha (1977) and 'Baton Baton Mein' (1979). His films remain relevant as ever today


Gulzar: He took versatility in Hindi cinema to an altogether different level. Apart from providing lyrics for classic films, Gulzar wrote and directed some of the most critically acclaimed movies in Bollywood - 'Koshish' (1972), 'Aandhi' (1975), 'Angoor' (1982), 'Ijaazat' (1987) and 'Maachis' (1996) being the most prominent among them


Manmohan Desai: He was a master at making masala films. Desai entertained all with his timepass flicks like 'Parvarish' (1977), 'Amar Akbar Anthony' (1977), 'Dharam Veer' (1977), 'Chacha Bhatija' (1977), 'Suhaag' (1979) and 'Naseeb' (1981)


Shah Rukh Khan: The 90's pretty much belonged to SRK. He was the first big star since Big B to play the anti-hero, and it worked wonders for his career. 'Baazigar' and 'Darr' (both 1993) elevated Shah Rukh's status as a rising star, and 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge' (1995), in which he played the adorable romantic, turned him into superstar. SRK's has been even proved himself in unconventional roles -- as a NASA scientist in 'Swades' (2004) and the hockey coach in 'Chak De! India' (2007)


Aamir Khan: The perfectionist recently celebrated 25 years in the film industry. Aamir has been among the few actors in the last couple of decades who has pulled off diverse roles with conviction. From the chocolate hero in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' (1988) to the anterograde amnesia patient in 'Ghajini', Aamir has come a long way. His other memorable films include 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' (1992), 'Andaz Apna Apna' (1994), 'Rangeela' (1995), 'Sarfarosh' (1999), 'Lagaan' (2001), and 'Dil Chahta Hai' (2001)


Sridevi: Undoubtedly among the most talented actors of all time, Sridevi has done serious, comic, romantic and unconventional roles with ease. She was awesome in 'Sadma' (1893), playing a woman who behaves like a seven-year-old following an accident, and in her comeback film 'English Vinglish' (2012), she demonstrated that she hadn't lost her tremendous ability in spite of a 15-year hiatus. Sridevi's unforgettable movies feature 'Mr. India' (1987), 'Chandni' (1989), 'ChaalBaaz' (1989), 'Lamhe' (1991) and 'Judaai' (1997)


Madhuri Dixit: Mads was the heartbeat of the nation in the 90's. Apart from her gorgeous looks, she was a stunning actress as well. Some of her best performances were in 'Tezaab' (1988), 'Dil' (1990), 'Beta' (1992), 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' (1994), 'Dil To Pagal Hai' (1997) and 'Devdas' (2002)


Sooraj R. Barjatya: In the late 80's and early 90's viewers were fed up of the substandard stuff being offered and theatres rarely ran to packed houses. Barjatya it was who brought the audiences back to the cinema halls by directing family-oriented blockbusters like 'Maine Pyar Kiya' (1989) and 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!'. He was also responsible for creating 'Prem' (Salman Khan), one of the most lovable characters of Hindi cinema


Karan Johar: KJo has openly admitted that Barjatya is his role model, and his admiration for the filmmaker reflects in his movies. Be it 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hain' (1998) or 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001), both films had the Rajshri stamp, but Johar did well to not let Barjatya down, including all the ingredients needed to make the movies super successes


Ranbir Kapoor: Okay, it may be too early to call Kapoor an icon of Bollywood, but his resume has been so impressive in such a short span of time that we felt it was worth including him, even at the risk of facing some backlash. The young Kapoor scion has made a mark in each and every film of his, notably in 'Saawariya' (2007), 'Wake Up Sid' (2009), 'Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year' (2009), 'Raajneeti' (2010) and 'Barfi!' (2012)


Vidya Balan: Ever since making a dazzling debut with 'Parineeta' (2005), Vidya has been spoken of highly in Bollywood circles. The actor hasn't let her fans down, coming up with solid performances in 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' (2006), 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' (2007), 'No One Killed Jessica' (2011), 'The Dirty Picture' (2011) and 'Kahaani' (2012)