Dattatreya Telang
Actor
About Dattatreya Telang
Dattatreya Telang was one of the pioneering actors of Indian cinema, appearing in the historic 1913 film 'Raja Harishchandra', which is widely recognized as India's first full-length feature film. As an actor during the silent era, Telang was part of the foundational cast assembled by director Dadasaheb Phalke for this groundbreaking production. His participation in this landmark film places him among the very first actors in Indian cinematic history. The film itself was a mythological drama based on the legend of King Harishchandra, known for his truthfulness and devotion to dharma. Like many early film actors, Telang was likely recruited from theatre backgrounds, as the nascent film industry drew heavily from established stage performers. His career appears to have been brief, confined to this single year of activity in 1913, which was typical for many early cinema pioneers who participated in experimental filmmaking before returning to other professions.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Raja Harishchandra (1913), India's first full-length feature film
- Part of the foundational cast of Indian cinema
- Worked with pioneering director Dadasaheb Phalke
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dattatreya Telang's contribution to Indian cinema, while brief, represents a crucial moment in film history. As an actor in India's first feature film, he was part of the foundation upon which the world's largest film industry would be built. The success of 'Raja Harishchandra' proved that feature-length filmmaking was viable in India, paving the way for countless future productions. His participation in this historic endeavor places him among the pioneers who helped establish cinema as an art form and industry in the Indian subcontinent.
Lasting Legacy
Dattatreya Telang's legacy is preserved through his association with 'Raja Harishchandra', a film that remains a cornerstone of Indian film history. While his individual contribution may be small compared to the director Dadasaheb Phalke, he represents the collective effort of the first generation of Indian film actors who helped establish the medium. His name is forever linked to the birth of Indian cinema, and he is remembered as one of the brave souls who ventured into the then-unexplored territory of feature filmmaking in India.
Who They Inspired
As one of the earliest actors in Indian cinema, Dattatreya Telang's influence is primarily historical rather than artistic. His participation in the first feature film helped demonstrate that Indian actors could successfully transition from stage to screen, encouraging others to follow. The success of 'Raja Harishchandra' inspired a generation of filmmakers and performers, making Telang indirectly influential in the development of Indian acting traditions in cinema.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Dattatreya Telang's personal life, which is typical for actors from the very early silent era of Indian cinema. Most biographical details from this period have been lost to time due to poor record-keeping and the transient nature of early film work.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in India's first full-length feature film in 1913
- Worked with Dadasaheb Phalke, considered the father of Indian cinema
- Participated in cinema during the silent era before sound technology was available
- His film career appears to have lasted only one year, which was common for early cinema pioneers
- Raja Harishchandra was a mythological film based on Hindu legends
- The film was shot in just over six months
- Many early Indian cinema actors, including Telang, were recruited from theatre backgrounds
- The original film was over 3 hours long but only fragments survive today
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dattatreya Telang?
Dattatreya Telang was an early Indian cinema actor who appeared in 'Raja Harishchandra' (1913), which is recognized as India's first full-length feature film. He was part of the pioneering cast assembled by director Dadasaheb Phalke during the birth of Indian cinema.
What films is Dattatreya Telang best known for?
Dattatreya Telang is known exclusively for his role in 'Raja Harishchandra' (1913), India's first feature film. This appears to be his only known film credit, making him a one-film actor from the silent era.
When was Dattatreya Telang born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Dattatreya Telang are not available in historical records, which is common for actors from the very early period of Indian cinema (1913) when documentation was limited.
What awards did Dattatreya Telang win?
Dattatreya Telang did not receive any formal awards during his lifetime, as the Indian film industry's award system was established decades after his brief acting career in 1913.
What was Dattatreya Telang's acting style?
While specific details about his acting style are not documented, actors in early Indian silent cinema typically used exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions, drawing heavily from traditional Indian theatre techniques.
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Films
1 film
