We have all seen our favourite stars pulling off double roles in movies, from Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan to Hema Malini’s Seeta Aur Geeta.
Long before advanced VFX or green screens, there was someone who managed to play two completely different characters.
But have you ever wondered who was the very first actor in Indian cinema to do it? That actor was Anna Salunke.
The film in question was Lanka Dahan (1917), directed by none other than the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke.
It was based on the epic Ramayana and also had a scene where Hanuman sets Lanka on fire. Anna Salunke played not one but both Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Yes, he portrayed both a male and a female character in the same film.
At that time, women were not allowed to act in films as it was considered socially improper. So, male actors had to step in to play female characters too.
Anna’s graceful mannerisms made him perfect for the role of Sita, while his expressive eyes helped him portray Ram’s calm strength.
Interestingly, this wasn’t Anna’s first time playing a woman on screen. He had earlier portrayed Queen Taramati in Raja Harishchandra (1913), India’s very first full-length feature film.
By the time Lanka Dahan was made, Anna had developed a more muscular physique and audiences couldn’t help but notice his strong arms even while he played Sita!
Despite that, his performance and Phalke’s clever trick photography left viewers amazed. His ability to portray two such contrasting roles resonated with many.
The film was a massive hit. Crowds lined up outside theatres and the ticket collections proved its versatility.
Before rising to fame, Anna Salunke was just a cook at a small restaurant in Mumbai. Phalke spotted him there, offered him a role for Rs 15 a month.
