Bhagwan Abhaji Palav was born on August 1, 1913 way before India got Independence. In those days the FIlm business wasn't as rampant as today but Bhagwan Dada was somehow obsessed with films. 

Bhagwan Dada was the son of a textile mill worker but he dreamed big. And his dreams soon came true. The man with a will of steel worked hard for his dream and got his first break in a silent film Criminal. Bhagwan Abhaji Palav loved wrestling and this love was known to all which lead him to be known as Bhagwan Dada. He co-directed his first film Bahadur Kisan with Pawar in 1938. From 1938 to 1949 he directed a string of low budget stunt and action films that were popular with the working classes. He usually played a naive simpleton.  

Bhagwan Dada turned producer in 1942 with Jagruti Pictures and owned Jagruti Studios in Chembur in 1947. His film Albela was produced under his own banner. His best known role till date is for that very social film Albela. Bhagwan Dada later had a major slump in his career. He did some small roles in films like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje and Chori Chori but then he lost all work. Bhagwan Dada's days of doom had come and he had to sell his bunglow and cars and he then moved to a chawl. It was here that this gem passed away on February 4, 2002, due to a massive heart attack at the age of 89. 

He may not be with us today but his contributions to Indian Cinema can never be forgotten. Fridaymoviez pays a tribute to Bhagwan Dada!