Narmada

Actor

Active: 1939

About Narmada

Narmada was an Indian film actress who appeared in the classic Marathi film Manoos (1939), directed by the legendary V. Shantaram. Her career appears to have been brief, with documented work limited to this single significant film from the golden era of early Indian cinema. Manoos was a groundbreaking social drama that dealt with the life of a policeman and his relationship with a prostitute, showcasing the progressive filmmaking of its time. The film was notable for its realistic approach to social issues and was also remade in Hindi as Aadmi in the same year. Narmada's role, while not the lead, contributed to the ensemble cast that brought this important social narrative to life. Her participation in this landmark film places her within the context of early Indian cinema's transition to more socially relevant storytelling during the late 1930s.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in the landmark social drama Manoos (1939) directed by V. Shantaram
  • Part of the early Indian cinema movement toward socially relevant films
  • Contributed to one of the most significant Marathi films of the 1930s

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in Manoos (1939)

Must-See Films

  • Manoos (1939)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • V. Shantaram

Studios

  • Prabhat Film Company

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Narmada's contribution to Indian cinema, though brief, is part of the broader movement in the late 1930s toward socially conscious filmmaking. Her appearance in Manoos places her within the context of a film that was ahead of its time in addressing complex social issues. The film itself was significant for its realistic portrayal of urban life and its humanistic approach to marginalized characters, themes that would become more prevalent in Indian cinema in subsequent decades.

Lasting Legacy

While Narmada's individual legacy as an actress remains largely undocumented, her participation in Manoos ensures her place in the history of important early Indian cinema. The film itself is remembered as a milestone in Marathi and Indian cinema, and all who contributed to its creation, including supporting actors like Narmada, share in this historical significance.

Who They Inspired

As a supporting actress from the early era of Indian talkies, Narmada's influence on subsequent generations of actors is difficult to trace, but her work contributes to the foundation upon which Indian cinema's tradition of socially relevant storytelling was built.

Off Screen

Very limited information is available about Narmada's personal life, which was common for supporting actors in early Indian cinema whose biographical details were not extensively documented.

Did You Know?

  • Manoos (1939) was also remade in Hindi as Aadmi in the same year
  • The film was directed by V. Shantaram, one of the pioneers of Indian cinema
  • Manoos was produced by Prabhat Film Company, one of the most prominent studios of early Indian cinema
  • The film dealt with progressive themes for its time, including the rehabilitation of prostitutes
  • Manoos is considered one of the most important Marathi films of the 1930s
  • The film's realistic approach to social issues was groundbreaking for Indian cinema of the era

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Narmada?

Narmada was an Indian film actress active in 1939, best known for her role in the classic Marathi film Manoos directed by V. Shantaram. Her career appears to have been brief but significant due to her participation in this landmark film of early Indian cinema.

What films is Narmada best known for?

Narmada is primarily known for her appearance in Manoos (1939), a groundbreaking social drama that is considered one of the most important Marathi films of the 1930s. The film was also remade in Hindi as Aadmi in the same year.

When was Narmada born and when did she die?

Specific birth and death dates for Narmada are not documented in available historical records, which was common for supporting actors in early Indian cinema whose biographical details were not extensively preserved.

What awards did Narmada win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Narmada, which was typical for many supporting actors in Indian cinema during the 1930s when formal award systems were not yet established in the industry.

What was Narmada's acting style?

Specific details about Narmada's acting style are not documented in available sources. However, actors in Manoos were noted for their realistic performances, which was innovative for Indian cinema of that period.

What was the significance of Manoos (1939)?

Manoos was a groundbreaking social drama that dealt with progressive themes for its time, including the life of a policeman and his relationship with a prostitute. The film was ahead of its time in its realistic approach to social issues and is considered a milestone in Marathi and Indian cinema history.

Films

1 film