The Comprehensive List of the Best Indian Film Actors
by vdpat | created - 10 Dec 2011 | updated - 10 Dec 2011 | PublicIndian Cinema has produced many performances that have risen beyond the stellar melodramatic imagery that largely identifies with successful cinema from India. Some actors have consistently delivered the best and have stood out among the huge multitude with memorable roles, and wizardry unique in its setting as well as its universality. This list is largely in chronological order
1. Master Vithal
Actor | Alam Ara
Master Vithal was an actor and director, known for The Light of the World (1931), Zalim Jawani (1932) and Awara Shahzada (1932). He died in 1969.
India's first superstar was also a versatile actor mainly known for his swashbuckling roles depicting Indian historical figures in films such as Bajirao Mastani (1925), Shiraz Ud Dowla (1927), and Anangsena (1931). He also played romantic roles in films such as Sohni Mahiwal (1928), Josh-E-Jawaani (1930), and Meri Jaan (1931). Emoting for an Indian audience that had hitherto consumed melodramatic plays meant a lot and Master Vithal mastered that with his natural acting and good looks. So when the time came to make the first Indian talkie, Alam Ara (1931) Master Vithal was the obvious hero's choice for its filmmaker Ardeshir Irani. In the era of the talking film too, Master Vithal made his presence felt in films such as Netaji Palkar (1939), Bahirji Naik (1943), and Ram Shastri (1944). He continued acting in films till 1966.
2. Motilal
Actor | Devdas
Motilal was born on December 4, 1910 in Shimla, Punjab, British India. He was an actor and director, known for Devdas (1955), Chhoti Chhoti Baatein (1965) and Sach Hai (1939). He died on June 17, 1965 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India.
Motilal, along with Yakub, was one of the first naturals of Indian Cinema. Yakub, despite being talented did not get the performances that he deserved. Motilal however was hugely successful because of his unique acting style and his towering presence. Starting with Watan Parast and Sheher Ka Jadoo (1934), Motilal gave stellar performances in Jagirdar (1937), and Achhut (1940). Dost (1944) and Ek Thi Ladki (1949) enhanced his reputation as a versatile performer. But his stellar role was for Mr. Sampat (1952) adapted from R.K. Narayan's novel of the same name. Another role he came to be identified with was that of Chunni Babu in Devdas (1955). His performances in Jaagte Raho (1956), Anari (1959), and Paigham (1959) were also very popular. Motilal remains a school in acting and a showcase for studying the language of cinema.
3. Chhabi Biswas
Actor | Karnarjun
Chhabi Biswas was born on July 12, 1900 in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India. He was an actor and director, known for Karnarjun (1941), Jalsaghar (1958) and Kabuliwala (1957). He died on June 11, 1962 in Calcutta [now Kolkata], West Bengal, India.
Chhabi Biswas was perhaps the first Indian actor to make an international impression. Films such as Light of Asia(1925), Duniya Na Mane (1937), and Dharti Ke Lal (1946) had made waves internationally, but it was with Satyajit Ray's films that made the world sit up and take notice of Indian Cinema. One of Ray's earliest films, Jalsaghar (1958) a.k.a The Music Room hit international audiences hard due to the unique performance of Chhabi Biswas. As Huzur Biswambhar Roy, an ageing feudal lord who has lost everything but his pride, every scene he shot for remains etched in memory. An unforgettable performance. But Chhabi Biswas was already an established name in Bengali cinema long before he attained international fame. Having Started with Annapurnar Mandir (1936) and Chokker Bali (1938), he rose to fame with his portrayal of a 90 year old in Nartaki (1940). His performances in Parineeta (1942) and Biraj Bau (1946) were strikingly mature in an age when acting was legerly an untaught discipline in Indian cinema. His association with Satyajit Ray also produced sterling performances in Paras Pathar (1957), Devi (1960), and Kanchenjunga (1962)
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