Ravi Varma's connection with the film world is not known to many people. Dhundiraj Govind Phalke-- later came to be known as Dada Saheb Phalke--was one of Ravi Varma's employees at the press before starting his own ventures. Later he became one of his trusted companions. Ravivarma was well aware of his friend's passion for movie making. When Ravi Varma sold the press to Fritz Schleicher following the plague epidemic in Bombay, a considerable share of the sales proceedings was given to Phalke. With this financial support Phalke was able to materialize his lifelong dream. 'Raja Harishchandra', India's first full length feature film directed by Phalke was released on 3 May 1913. The rest is history. Dada Saheb Phalke became an acclaimed producer-director and was hailed as the Father of Modern Cinema.