Dadasaheb Phalke is widely regarded as the "Father of Indian Cinema". He directed India's first full-length feature film, "Raja Harishchandra", in 1913.

Satyajit Ray is renowned for his realistic and socially conscious films that explore the lives of the marginalized and oppressed. His notable works include "Pather Panchali" (1955), "Aparajito" (1956), and "Apur Sansar" (1959).

Ritwik Ghatak is regarded as one of the pioneers of the Indian New Wave cinema movement. His films, such as "Meghe Dhaka Tara" (1960) and "Komal Gandhar" (1961), are known for their experimental and unconventional style.

Guru Dutt is renowned for his visually stunning and poetic films that explore themes of love, loss, and longing. His notable works include "Pyaasa" (1957), "Kaagaz Ke Phool" (1959), and "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" (1962).

Raj Kapoor is widely known as the "Showman of Indian Cinema". He produced and directed iconic Bollywood films such as "Awaara" (1951), "Shree 420" (1955), and "Mera Naam Joker" (1970).

Ram Gopal Varma is known for his realistic and gritty portrayal of Mumbai's underworld. His films, such as "Satya" (1998), "Company" (2002), and "Sarkar" (2005), are regarded as classics of the Indian gangster film genre.

Mani Ratnam is renowned for his critically acclaimed films that explore themes of identity, alienation, and the human condition. His notable works include "Nayakan" (1987), "Roja" (1992), and "Dil Se.." (1998).

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his visually stunning and epic historical dramas. His notable works include "Devdas" (2002), "Black" (2005), and "Bajirao Mastani" (2015).

Anurag Kashyap is known for his socially relevant and thought-provoking films that address issues of caste, class, and gender inequality. His notable works include "Black Friday" (2004), "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), and "Mukkabaaz" (2017).

Vikramaditya Motwane is known for his unique style of filmmaking, often characterized by non-linear narratives, experimental editing techniques, and unconventional storytelling. His notable works include "Udaan" (2010), "Lootera" (2013), and "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" (2018).

Ritesh Batra is known for his critically acclaimed films that explore themes of love, loss, and human relationships, often set against the backdrop of small-town India. His notable works include "The Lunchbox" (2013), "Photograph" (2019), and "Eeb Allay Ooo!" (2021).

Anurag Kashyap is known for his dark and surreal films, often exploring themes of violence, alienation, and the human psyche. His notable works include "Black Friday" (2004), "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), and "Mukkabaaz" (2017).

Shoojit Sircar is known for his visually stunning and technically proficient films, often set against the backdrop of India's diverse landscapes and cultures. His notable works include "Vicky Donor" (2012), "Piku" (2015), and "October" (2018).

Dibakar Banerjee is known for his socially conscious and thought-provoking films that often address issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. His notable works include "Khosla Ka Ghosla" (2006), "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" (2008), and "Shanghai" (2012).

Nitesh Tiwari is known for his heartwarming and feel-good films that often explore themes of family, friendship, and love. His notable works include "Dangal" (2016), "Chhichhore" (2019), and "Uunchai" (2022).