New Delhi, July 9 -- When it premiered at the Majestic theatre in Bombay in 1931, the film Alam Ara became a sensation. Huge crowds gathered outside cinemas exhibiting it and shows were sold out. Directed by Ardeshir Irani and starring actors Zubeida, Master Vithal and Jillo, it was the first Indian talkie and had a soundtrack featuring songs aplenty. The plot was very basic, essentially a tale of palace intrigue that revolved around rival queens. But the novelty of it all had crowds lapping it up and the film quickly turned into a blockbuster.

Today, however, not a single copy of the historic film exists. Search for it online and you will only find a still image of the beautiful Zubeida lying in Vithal's arms, in what perhaps was a racy...