A poster for the 1965 Hindi film Bhakt Prahlad (Devotee Prahlad), directed by Kamal Sharma and starring B. M. Vyas and Anjali Devi. Prahlad was the pious son of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who could not be killed by day or night, indoors or out; neither by man nor beast nor by any creature born of woman. Steadfast in his devotion to Vishnu despite his father's persecution, Prahlad prayed for a deliverance that was vouchsafed him as the sun set and the king stood by one of the pillars supporting his palace wall, from which he dared Vishnu to appear. The pillar split open and Vishnu emerged in the incarnation of Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion, to tear Hiranyakashipu apart. Prahlad is one of the great child heroes of Hindu tradition, admired for his fortitude and even the ability to sacrifice his own father. He was held up as...

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