Sovanlal Ganguli

Actor

Active: 1961

About Sovanlal Ganguli

Sovanlal Ganguli was an Indian actor who appeared in the 1961 documentary film 'Rabindranath Tagore,' directed by Satyajit Ray. This film was a biographical documentary about the life and works of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, commissioned by the Government of India to commemorate Tagore's birth centenary. Ganguli's role in this film appears to have been his only known screen appearance, making him a one-film actor in the annals of Indian cinema. The documentary itself was a significant work that showcased Tagore's multifaceted genius as a poet, philosopher, musician, and painter. While little is documented about Ganguli's broader career or background, his participation in this important cultural film places him within the context of India's artistic and cinematic heritage during the early 1960s. The film was part of a larger national effort to preserve and promote Tagore's legacy to international audiences.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Satyajit Ray's documentary 'Rabindranath Tagore' (1961)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Rabindranath Tagore (1961)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Satyajit Ray

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Sovanlal Ganguli's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, is part of a significant cultural project that helped document and preserve the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore for future generations. His participation in the 1961 documentary places him within the broader context of India's efforts to celebrate and internationalize its cultural heritage during the post-independence era. The film itself was an important work that introduced Tagore's life and philosophy to global audiences at a time when India was establishing its cultural identity on the world stage.

Lasting Legacy

As a one-film actor, Sovanlal Ganguli's legacy is primarily tied to his involvement in the historic documentary about Rabindranath Tagore. While his individual contribution may seem small, he is part of the collective effort that created an enduring cinematic tribute to one of India's greatest cultural figures. The documentary itself remains an important historical document and educational resource about Tagore's life and works.

Who They Inspired

Given the limited nature of his filmography, there is no documented evidence of Sovanlal Ganguli's influence on other actors or filmmakers. His contribution appears to have been that of a supporting participant in a significant cultural documentary project rather than as an influential figure in cinema.

Off Screen

Very limited information is available about Sovanlal Ganguli's personal life, as he appears to have been a minor actor with only one known film credit. His participation in the Tagore documentary suggests he may have had connections to the Bengali cultural or literary scene.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in only one known film throughout his career
  • Participated in a documentary directed by the legendary Satyajit Ray
  • The film 'Rabindranath Tagore' was commissioned for Tagore's birth centenary celebrations
  • The documentary was one of the first major films to comprehensively document Tagore's life
  • The film was produced by the Government of India's Films Division
  • Satyajit Ray won the National Film Award for Best Documentary Film for this work

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Sovanlal Ganguli?

Sovanlal Ganguli was an Indian actor known for his single appearance in the 1961 documentary film 'Rabindranath Tagore,' which was directed by Satyajit Ray and commissioned to commemorate the Nobel laureate's birth centenary.

What films is Sovanlal Ganguli best known for?

Sovanlal Ganguli is known for only one film: the 1961 documentary 'Rabindranath Tagore' directed by Satyajit Ray, which documented the life and works of the famous Bengali poet and philosopher.

When was Sovanlal Ganguli born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Sovanlal Ganguli are not documented in available film records, reflecting his status as a minor actor with only one known film credit.

What awards did Sovanlal Ganguli win?

There are no recorded awards or nominations specifically for Sovanlal Ganguli, though the film he appeared in, 'Rabindranath Tagore,' won the National Film Award for Best Documentary Film.

What was Sovanlal Ganguli's acting style?

Due to the limited documentation of his work and only one known film appearance, Sovanlal Ganguli's acting style cannot be definitively characterized from available sources.

Did Sovanlal Ganguli work with any famous directors?

Yes, Sovanlal Ganguli worked with the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray in the documentary 'Rabindranath Tagore,' which is considered one of Ray's important non-fiction works.

What is the significance of the film Sovanlal Ganguli appeared in?

The 1961 documentary 'Rabindranath Tagore' was a significant cultural project commissioned by the Indian government to celebrate Tagore's centenary and introduce his life and philosophy to international audiences.

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Films

1 film