Dadasaheb Phalke is considered the father of Indian cinema for his pioneering work in the early 1900s. He directed and produced India's first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.

Bimal Roy is known for his realistic and socially conscious films, such as Do Bigha Zamin (1953) and Madhumati (1958). His films often dealt with social issues and the lives of ordinary people.

Satyajit Ray is widely regarded as one of the greatest auteurs of Indian cinema. He is known for his humanist films, such as Pather Panchali (1955), Aparajito (1956), and The World of Apu (1959).

Guru Dutt is known for his poetic and visually stunning films, such as Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962).

Raj Kapoor is known as the 'Showman of Indian Cinema' for his grand and lavish productions, such as Awara (1951), Shree 420 (1955), and Sangam (1964).

Hrishikesh Mukherjee is known for his comedies and social satires, such as Anand (1971), Gol Maal (1979), and Rang Birangi (1983).

Shyam Benegal is known for his realistic and hard-hitting films, such as Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), and Mandi (1983).

Ritwik Ghatak is known for his films that explore the lives of marginalized communities, such as Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960), Komal Gandhar (1961), and Subarnarekha (1965).

Mani Kaul is known for his experimental and avant-garde films, such as Uski Roti (1969), Duvidha (1973), and Siddheshwari (1989).

Adoor Gopalakrishnan is known for his films that explore the relationship between tradition and modernity, such as Swayamvaram (1972), Kodiyettam (1977), and Elippathayam (1981).

Deepa Mehta is known for her films that deal with the themes of identity and displacement, such as Fire (1996), Earth (1998), and Water (2005).

Sai Paranjpye is known for her films that explore the lives of women in Indian society, such as Sparsh (1980), Katha (1983), and Disha (1990).

M.S. Sathyu is known for his films that deal with the themes of poverty and social injustice, such as Garam Hawa (1973), Bara (1980), and Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastan (1978).

Mani Ratnam is known for his films that explore the relationship between art and politics, such as Roja (1992), Bombay (1995), and Dil Se.. (1998).

Yash Chopra is known for his films that deal with the themes of love and relationships, such as Silsila (1981), Chandni (1989), and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995).