Lila Desai
Actor
About Lila Desai
Lila Desai was an Indian actress who appeared in the landmark 1937 film Vidyapati, directed by the pioneering filmmaker Debaki Bose. The film was significant in early Indian cinema as it was produced in both Bengali and Hindi versions simultaneously, showcasing the growing sophistication of Indian film production. Desai's role in Vidyapati appears to have been her only documented film credit, suggesting she may have had a brief career in the film industry during the early talkie era. The film itself was based on the life of the medieval poet Vidyapati and was noted for its musical compositions and artistic merit. Unfortunately, detailed records about Desai's life and career are scarce, which is common for many actors from early Indian cinema who had limited filmographies. Her contribution to this important film places her within the context of the golden era of early Indian cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the landmark film Vidyapati (1937) directed by Debaki Bose
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lila Desai's contribution to Indian cinema, though brief, is part of the broader historical significance of Vidyapati (1937), which represents an important milestone in early Indian talkie cinema. The film was groundbreaking for its dual-language production and artistic approach to historical storytelling. While Desai's individual impact may be difficult to assess due to limited documentation, her participation in this influential film places her within the narrative of Indian cinema's development during the crucial transition from silent films to talkies.
Lasting Legacy
Lila Desai's legacy is preserved through her role in Vidyapati, which remains an important film in the history of Indian cinema. The film is studied for its artistic achievements and its role in establishing conventions of Indian historical cinema. Though her career appears to have been limited to this single film, her contribution is part of the collective effort of early Indian cinema pioneers who helped establish the foundations of one of the world's largest film industries.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of her career and apparent brief tenure in cinema, specific information about Lila Desai's influence on other actors or filmmakers is not readily available. However, her participation in a film of Vidyapati's significance means she was part of a production that influenced subsequent generations of Indian filmmakers in their approach to historical subjects and musical storytelling.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Lila Desai's personal life, which is typical for many actors from early Indian cinema who had brief careers and limited documentation. Her legacy remains primarily through her contribution to the historically significant film Vidyapati.
Did You Know?
- Vidyapati (1937) was produced in both Bengali and Hindi versions simultaneously, a rare practice in early Indian cinema
- The film was directed by Debaki Bose, one of the pioneers of Indian cinema
- Vidyapati was based on the life of the medieval Maithili poet Vidyapati
- The film was known for its musical compositions and artistic cinematography
- Lila Desai's role in Vidyapati appears to be her only documented film credit
- The film featured Prithviraj Kapoor and Kanan Devi in lead roles
- Vidyapati was one of the early films to explore regional cultural themes in Indian cinema
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lila Desai?
Lila Desai was an Indian actress from the early talkie era who appeared in the 1937 film Vidyapati. Her career appears to have been brief, with this being her only documented film credit, but she was part of a historically significant production in early Indian cinema.
What film is Lila Desai best known for?
Lila Desai is known exclusively for her role in Vidyapati (1937), a landmark film directed by Debaki Bose that was produced in both Bengali and Hindi versions and remains an important work in the history of Indian cinema.
When was Lila Desai active in films?
Lila Desai was active in cinema in 1937, with her only known film credit being Vidyapati from that year. This suggests she had a very brief career in the film industry during the early talkie period.
What was significant about the film Vidyapati?
Vidyapati (1937) was significant for being produced simultaneously in Bengali and Hindi, featuring innovative musical compositions, and being directed by the pioneering filmmaker Debaki Bose. The film was based on the life of medieval poet Vidyapati and represented an artistic achievement in early Indian cinema.
Why is information about Lila Desai limited?
Information about Lila Desai is limited because she was an actor from early Indian cinema who had a brief career, and detailed records from that era are often incomplete. This is common for many actors from the 1930s who did not have long-lasting careers in the film industry.
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Films
1 film
