Lala Bijoykishen
Actor
About Lala Bijoykishen
Lala Bijoykishen was an Indian actor who appeared during the transitional period between silent cinema and early sound films in India. His only known film appearance was in the 1929 silent epic 'A Throw of Dice' (Prapancha Pash), which was one of the most ambitious Indian productions of its time. The film was part of a trilogy of Indo-German collaborations produced by Himanshu Rai and directed by Franz Osten, representing the pinnacle of technical achievement in Indian silent cinema. As a character actor in this prestigious production, Bijoykishen would have been part of a groundbreaking venture that brought international attention to Indian filmmaking. Unfortunately, like many supporting actors from early Indian cinema, his career appears to have been brief, with no other documented film credits. His participation in this historically significant film places him within the important context of India's cinematic heritage during the late 1920s, a period when Indian cinema was establishing its artistic identity.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'A Throw of Dice' (1929), one of the most significant Indian silent films of the era
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lala Bijoykishen's contribution to Indian cinema, while brief, is part of the broader cultural impact of 'A Throw of Dice,' which represented a significant milestone in the international recognition of Indian filmmaking. The film was one of the first Indian productions to gain attention in Europe and helped establish the artistic credibility of Indian cinema on the global stage. His participation in this Indo-German collaboration exemplifies the cross-cultural exchanges that characterized early Indian cinema's development.
Lasting Legacy
While Lala Bijoykishen himself may not have achieved lasting fame, his involvement in 'A Throw of Dice' ensures his place in the historical record of Indian cinema. The film itself has been preserved and restored by international film archives, ensuring that contributions from all cast members, including supporting actors like Bijoykishen, remain part of cinema's documented heritage. The film is frequently studied in film history courses as an example of early Indian cinematic achievement.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor from the silent era, Lala Bijoykishen's direct influence on subsequent generations of performers is difficult to trace, which is typical of many character actors from this period whose work served as foundation for the Indian film industry's development.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Lala Bijoykishen's personal life, which was common for many supporting actors in early Indian cinema whose contributions were not extensively recorded.
Did You Know?
- 'A Throw of Dice' was one of the most expensive Indian films of its time, with elaborate sets and costumes
- The film was based on an episode from the Mahabharata, one of India's ancient epics
- The film was shot in India with German technical expertise, creating a unique cross-cultural production
- Only a few prints of 'A Throw of Dice' survived, with the film being restored in the 2000s
- The film was part of a trilogy that included 'The Light of Asia' (1925) and 'Shiraz' (1928)
- The film featured over 10,000 extras in some scenes, demonstrating the scale of the production
- International film star Seeta Devi also appeared in the film, adding to its cross-cultural appeal
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lala Bijoykishen?
Lala Bijoykishen was an Indian actor from the silent film era, known primarily for his appearance in the 1929 film 'A Throw of Dice,' one of the most significant Indian silent productions of the late 1920s.
What films is Lala Bijoykishen best known for?
He is known exclusively for his role in 'A Throw of Dice' (1929), an ambitious Indo-German co-production that has become a classic of early Indian cinema.
When was Lala Bijoykishen born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Lala Bijoykishen are not documented, which was common for many supporting actors in early Indian cinema whose biographical details were not preserved.
What awards did Lala Bijoykishen win?
There are no recorded awards or honors for Lala Bijoykishen, as formal award systems for Indian cinema were not yet established during his brief career in 1929.
What was Lala Bijoykishen's acting style?
While specific details about his acting style are not documented, as a performer in silent cinema he would have used the exaggerated gestures and facial expressions typical of the era to convey emotion and story without dialogue.
Why is 'A Throw of Dice' historically significant?
'A Throw of Dice' is significant as an Indo-German collaboration that represented the technical and artistic peak of Indian silent cinema, featuring elaborate production values and gaining international attention for Indian filmmaking.
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Films
1 film
