#GoldenFrames: Bhagwan Dada, the first dancing sensation of Bollywood

Humble new beginnings do exist, especially in the case of Bhagwan dada, who lived in a Mumbai chawl before he became a star. However, unlike other actors, he couldn't sustain his successful career and the wealth along with it! Dada was known for his signature style. He is the first dancing hero in Indian cinema to emerge from the silent era. The actor had a massive mansion with twenty-five rooms and seven different model cars. He was the first dancing and action star who became one of the biggest legends in Hindi cinema. It is believed that Bhagwan dada gave protection to all Muslim artists and technicians of the film industry during the 1947 riots after the partition of India. He made India's first horror movie 'Bhedi Bungla' in 1949. He used to do his own stunts, and Raj Kapoor called him Indian Douglas. Dada made forty-eight movies, and worked as an actor in over 300 movies in his lifetime.

Bhagwan Dada was born as Bhagwan Abhaji Palav in Amravati, Maharashtra, India. His father was a textile mill worker. The actor was not into studies. After dropping out in 4th grade, he too worked in Mumbai's textile mills.

Pic Courtesy : Wikipedia

He was obsessed with movies. Singing and dancing were his forte. Dada's unending passion for movies did not melt his father's heart. However, as luck would have it, famous comic actor Noor Mohammed Charlie lived in Dada's neighbourhood. In no time, Dada and Noor became fast friends. Apparently, Dada could mimic Noor accurately. Bhagwan Dada started building his own contacts in the industry, his friend Baburao Pehelwan got Dada his first break in 'Bewafa Aashiq' (1931).

Bhagwan Dada's love for wrestling got him his first movie in the silent era—'Criminal.' The actor had a comic role in the movie. His friend Baburao Pehelwan was already an actor and wrestler. It took him another four years to get a second role. Meanwhile, Dada was busy honing his skills as a filmmaker. He was getting well-versed with the technicalities required behind the camera. Even after 'Himmat-e-Marda' (1934) and 'Kaatil Kataar' (1935), the actor still struggled to gain a firm footing in the industry.

(Photo: Still from the movie 'Chori Chori')

By 1938, Dada became an assistant director for the movie 'Bahadur Kisan' (1938), followed by lending his voice for the movie 'Gunehgaar' (1939). He co-directed it with Chandrarao in 1938. Eventually, the man with many talents opened his own film company—Jagriti Pictures. Dada made low-budget stunts and action movies under Jagriti Pictures. He also directed a few Tamil movies such as 'Vana Mohini' (1941), 'Jaykode' and 'Prem Bandhan' (1941). 'Vana Mohini' (1941) was a groundbreaking movie in the history of Indian cinema—a remake of a Hollywood movie featuring Dorothy Lamour.