Dattatreya Kshirsagar
Actor
About Dattatreya Kshirsagar
Dattatreya Kshirsagar was an early Indian cinema actor who appeared in the groundbreaking 1913 film 'Raja Harishchandra,' which is widely recognized as India's first full-length feature film. His career was extremely brief, spanning only the year 1913, during which he participated in this historic production directed by the legendary Dadasaheb Phalke. As an actor in the nascent stages of Indian cinema, Kshirsagar was part of a pioneering generation that helped establish the foundation of what would become one of the world's largest film industries. Very little detailed documentation exists about his life or career beyond this single film appearance, which was typical for many early Indian cinema actors whose contributions were not thoroughly recorded. His participation in 'Raja Harishchandra' places him among the very first actors in Indian cinematic history, though his specific role in the film remains unclear in available historical records. The film itself was a mythological drama based on the legend of King Harishchandra, known for his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Raja Harishchandra' (1913), India's first full-length feature film
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dattatreya Kshirsagar's contribution to Indian cinema, while brief, is historically significant as he was part of the cast of 'Raja Harishchandra,' the film that essentially birthed Indian cinema. This 1913 production, directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, marked the beginning of what would evolve into the world's largest film industry. As one of the very first actors to appear in an Indian feature film, Kshirsagar represents the pioneering spirit of early Indian filmmakers and actors who worked with limited resources and technology to create cinematic art. His participation in this landmark film places him among the foundational figures of Indian cinema, even though detailed records of his specific contributions are scarce.
Lasting Legacy
Dattatreya Kshirsagar's legacy is intrinsically tied to his involvement in 'Raja Harishchandra,' making him one of the earliest documented actors in Indian cinema history. While his name may not be widely recognized today, his contribution to the film that launched Indian cinema ensures his place in the annals of film history. The film itself has achieved legendary status, and all who participated in its creation, including Kshirsagar, are remembered as pioneers who helped establish the foundation of Indian cinematic tradition.
Who They Inspired
Due to the extremely limited documentation of his career and the brevity of his time in cinema, there is little information available about Dattatreya Kshirsagar's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, as part of the cast of India's first feature film, he and his fellow actors set early precedents for performance in Indian cinema, particularly in the mythological genre that would dominate early Indian films.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Dattatreya Kshirsagar's personal life, as was common for many early Indian cinema actors whose biographical details were not preserved in historical records.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in India's first-ever full-length feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' (1913)
- Worked with Dadasaheb Phalke, considered the father of Indian cinema
- His entire film career spanned only one year (1913)
- Part of the pioneering generation of Indian cinema actors
- The film he appeared in was a silent film, as was typical of the era
- Very few detailed records exist about early Indian cinema actors like Kshirsagar
- The film was based on the legend of the honest King Harishchandra from Hindu mythology
- Early Indian cinema often faced social stigma, making it difficult to attract performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dattatreya Kshirsagar?
Dattatreya Kshirsagar was an early Indian cinema actor who appeared in 'Raja Harishchandra' (1913), widely recognized as India's first full-length feature film. His career was extremely brief, spanning only the year 1913, making him one of the pioneering actors in Indian cinematic history.
What films is Dattatreya Kshirsagar best known for?
Dattatreya Kshirsagar is known exclusively for his appearance in 'Raja Harishchandra' (1913), the landmark film directed by Dadasaheb Phalke that marked the birth of Indian cinema. This appears to be his only credited film role.
When was Dattatreya Kshirsagar born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Dattatreya Kshirsagar are not available in historical records, which is common for many early Indian cinema actors whose biographical details were not thoroughly documented.
What awards did Dattatreya Kshirsagar win?
No awards or honors are documented for Dattatreya Kshirsagar, which is typical for actors from the very early period of Indian cinema (1913) when formal award systems for films did not exist in India.
What was Dattatreya Kshirsagar's acting style?
Due to the lack of documentation about his specific performance and the fact that 'Raja Harishchandra' was a silent film, there is little information available about Dattatreya Kshirsagar's particular acting style or techniques.
Films
1 film
