Master Chhotu
Actor
About Master Chhotu
Master Chhotu was a child actor who appeared in the landmark 1936 Marathi film 'Sant Tukaram', which is considered one of the most significant films in the history of Indian cinema. As a child performer in the early era of Indian talkies, Chhotu was part of a film that broke new ground in religious and devotional cinema. The film was directed by Vishnupant Govind Damle and Sheikh Fattelal, and became the first Indian film to receive international recognition at the Venice Film Festival. Master Chhotu's role, though small, contributed to the film's authentic portrayal of the life of the 17th-century saint Tukaram. Like many child actors of early Indian cinema, his career appears to have been limited to this single significant appearance. His participation in this cinematic masterpiece places him among the early pioneers of Indian film history, even though his individual contribution was brief.
The Craft
On Screen
Natural child performance typical of early Indian cinema
Milestones
- Appeared in the landmark film 'Sant Tukaram' (1936)
- Part of the first Indian film to gain international recognition
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Participated in the first Indian film screened at Venice International Film Festival (1937)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Master Chhotu's contribution to Indian cinema, while brief, is part of the legacy of 'Sant Tukaram', a film that revolutionized religious cinema in India and established Marathi cinema on the international stage. The film's success at the Venice Film Festival in 1937, where it received an honorary diploma, paved the way for future Indian films to gain global recognition. Child actors like Master Chhotu were integral to creating authentic family dynamics in early Indian cinema, particularly in films depicting traditional Indian life and values.
Lasting Legacy
Master Chhotu's legacy is tied to the enduring cultural significance of 'Sant Tukaram', which remains one of the most revered films in Indian cinema history. The film continues to be studied for its artistic merits and its role in establishing Indian cinema's international presence. As a participant in this groundbreaking work, Master Chhotu represents the many unsung contributors to early Indian cinema whose collective efforts created the foundation for one of the world's largest film industries.
Who They Inspired
As a child actor from the early era of Indian cinema, Master Chhotu's influence was limited to his contribution to a single but highly significant film. However, his participation in 'Sant Tukaram' contributed to the film's authentic portrayal of village life and family dynamics, setting standards for future religious and devotional films in Indian cinema.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Master Chhotu's personal life, as was common for child actors in early Indian cinema who often appeared in single films and then returned to normal life.
Did You Know?
- 'Sant Tukaram' was the first Indian film to be screened at an international film festival
- The film was made in just 8 months at a budget of Rs. 75,000
- The film ran for a record 57 weeks in Mumbai theatres
- Master Chhotu was one of several child actors in the film depicting Tukaram's family
- The film's success helped establish Prabhat Film Company as a major studio
- The original film negative is preserved at the National Film Archive of India
- The film was selected as one of the '100 Greatest Indian Films of All Time' by IBN Live
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Master Chhotu?
Master Chhotu was a child actor who appeared in the 1936 Marathi film 'Sant Tukaram', one of the most significant films in early Indian cinema history. His career appears to have been limited to this single but notable appearance in a film that gained international recognition.
What film is Master Chhotu best known for?
Master Chhotu is exclusively known for his role in 'Sant Tukaram' (1936), a landmark Marathi film that became the first Indian film to receive international recognition at the Venice Film Festival.
When was Master Chhotu active in films?
Master Chhotu was active in 1936, appearing only in 'Sant Tukaram'. This suggests he was a child actor who had a brief career in early Indian cinema.
What was special about 'Sant Tukaram'?
'Sant Tukaram' was groundbreaking as the first Indian film to be screened at an international film festival (Venice, 1937), where it received an honorary diploma. It's considered a masterpiece of early Indian cinema and helped establish the country's presence on the global film stage.
What studio did Master Chhotu work with?
Master Chhotu worked with Prabhat Film Company, one of the most prominent film studios in early Indian cinema, known for producing socially relevant and artistically significant films.
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Films
1 film
