Gajanan Jagirdar, an all-encompassing artiste was probably the first freelancer of Indian films. Jagirdar, his screen name, was an actor, writer, director, producer, film activist, teacher and also the only 'Principal' of the premier film school, 'Film Institute of India, Pune' in 1960. He was associated with important films such as Shejari, Ramshastri, Bairam Khan, Umrao Jaan, Guide, Hum Dono, Apradhi Kaun, Jail Yatra, etc.