Sri Bhagwat

Actor

Active: 1936-1936

About Sri Bhagwat

Sri Bhagwat was an Indian actor who worked during the early era of Indian talkies, primarily in Marathi cinema. His most notable work was in the landmark 1936 film 'Sant Tukaram', which became the first Indian film to gain international recognition at the Venice Film Festival. While details about his broader career are scarce due to limited documentation of early Indian cinema, his contribution to this historically significant film places him among the pioneering actors of India's sound film era. The film 'Sant Tukaram' was a critical and commercial success that showcased the devotional traditions of Maharashtra and helped establish Marathi cinema as a force in Indian film culture. Sri Bhagwat's role, though not the lead, contributed to the film's authentic portrayal of 17th-century Maharashtra and its spiritual landscape.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'Sant Tukaram' (1936), the first Indian film to be screened at an international film festival

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in 'Sant Tukaram' (1936)

Must-See Films

  • Sant Tukaram (1936)

Accolades

Special Recognition

  • Part of the cast of 'Sant Tukaram', which received international acclaim at Venice Film Festival 1937

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Vishnupant Govind Damle
  • Sheikh Fattelal
  • Vishnupant Pagnis

Studios

  • Prabhat Film Company

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Sri Bhagwat was part of the ensemble that created 'Sant Tukaram', a film that revolutionized Indian cinema by proving that Indian films could compete on an international stage. The film's success at the Venice Film Festival in 1937 opened doors for Indian cinema globally and established Marathi devotional cinema as a respected genre. The authentic portrayal of Maharashtrian culture and traditions in the film helped preserve and popularize the state's cultural heritage across India and internationally.

Lasting Legacy

While individual details about Sri Bhagwat's career are limited, his legacy is tied to the groundbreaking success of 'Sant Tukaram'. The film remains one of the most important works in Indian cinema history, frequently cited in film studies and retrospectives of classic Indian films. His contribution to this cinematic milestone places him among the foundational actors who helped shape Indian film during its formative years.

Who They Inspired

As part of the cast of a film that set new standards for Indian cinema, Sri Bhagwat contributed to raising the bar for acting and production quality in Indian films. 'Sant Tukaram' influenced generations of filmmakers and actors who followed, particularly in the devotional film genre, and demonstrated the power of authentic regional storytelling in cinema.

Off Screen

Very limited information is available about Sri Bhagwat's personal life, which is common for supporting actors from early Indian cinema. Many records from this period have been lost or were never comprehensively documented.

Did You Know?

  • 'Sant Tukaram' was the first Indian film to receive international recognition, winning an award at the Venice Film Festival in 1937
  • The film was made by Prabhat Film Company, one of India's most prestigious early film studios
  • Despite being made in 1936, the film's print survives and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of early Indian cinema
  • The film was shot in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, at the Prabhat Studios
  • 'Sant Tukaram' ran for a record 77 weeks in Mumbai theaters, an unprecedented achievement at the time
  • The film was made in Marathi but also released in Hindi version to reach wider audiences
  • It was one of the first Indian films to be remade in other languages, including a Telugu version
  • The film's success helped establish the careers of its lead actors and directors in Indian cinema

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Sri Bhagwat?

Sri Bhagwat was an Indian actor from the early era of Indian talkies, best known for his role in the 1936 Marathi film 'Sant Tukaram', which was the first Indian film to gain international recognition.

What films is Sri Bhagwat best known for?

Sri Bhagwat is primarily known for his appearance in 'Sant Tukaram' (1936), a landmark film in Indian cinema history that won international acclaim at the Venice Film Festival.

When was Sri Bhagwat born and when did they die?

Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Sri Bhagwat are not available in documented records, which is common for many supporting actors from early Indian cinema.

What awards did Sri Bhagwat win?

While Sri Bhagwat did not receive individual awards, he was part of the cast of 'Sant Tukaram' which received international recognition at the Venice Film Festival in 1937.

What was Sri Bhagwat's acting style?

Specific details about Sri Bhagwat's acting style are not documented, but as part of 'Sant Tukaram', he contributed to the film's authentic and devotional portrayal of 17th-century Maharashtra.

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Films

1 film