Shri Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre, popularly known as Annasaheb, was born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and was a legendary figure in Indian cinema. Beginning his journey during the silent film era, he evolved into a visionary filmmaker, actor, director, writer, and producer in both Hindi and Marathi cinema.

He was instrumental in shaping early Indian filmmaking with socially relevant and technically innovative movies. After parting ways with Prabhat Films, he founded Rajkamal Kalamandir in 1942, which became one of the most respected production houses in Mumbai. His iconic films like "Do Aankhen Barah Haath", "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje", and "Dr.