Damuanna Malvankar (1893-1975)
Portly Marathi comedian with a squint. Started in Keshavrao Date’s ‘naturalist’ Maharashtra Natak Mandali. Worked with the Sangeet Natak group, Balwant Sangeet Mandali, and entered cinema when they moved into film with Bedekar. His major films were with Vinayak and Atre, playing the caricature of a Marathi gentleman (Brandichi Batli/Brandy? Ki Botal, Brahmachari). His image became identified with the part of Chimanrao, the middle-aged householder of C.V. Joshi’s political satires, partnered by Vishnupant Jog’s Gundyabhau (Lagna Pahave Karun, Sarkari Pahune). They remained partners for many years. Other directors filmed Joshi stories with them (e.g. Raja Thakur’s Gharcha Jhala Thoda) but never with Vinayak’s incisiveness. Malvankar went on to play many stereotyped character parts, usually as the foil to the lead actor, and one major ‘serious’ role, the lead character of Gajabhau.
FILMOGRAPHY: 1934: Krishnarjun Yuddha; 1935: Thakicha Lagna; Satteche Prayog; 1936: Pundalik; Andheri Duniya; 1938: Brahmachari; Lakshmiche Khel; 1939: Brandichi Batli/Brandy? Ki Botal; Devata; Sukhacha Shodh/Mera? Haq; 1940: Ardhangi/ Ghar Ki Rani; Lagna Pahave Karun; 1941: Amrit; Gharjavai; Sangam; 1942: Tuzhach; Pahili Mangalagaur; Sarkari Pahune; 1943: Chimukla Sansar; Mazhe Bal; 1944: Gajabhau; 1945: Badi Maa; 1946: Jeevan Yatra; Subhadra; 1947: Chul Ani Mul; Main Tera Hoon; 1948: Moruchi Mavshi; 1949: Brahma Ghotala; Galyachi Shapath; Sakharpuda; 1950: Baiko Pahije; Chalitil Shejari; Dev Pavla; Ram Ram Pahuna; 1952: Devacha Kaul; 1954: Purshachi Jaat; Taraka; 1955: Varaat; Ye Re Majhya Maglya; 1956: Vakda Paool; 1957: Pahila Prem; Gharcha Jhala Thoda; Jhakli Mooth; 1958: Choravar Mor; Dhakti Jau; Don Ghadicha Dav; Guruchi Vidya Gurula?; Raja Gosavichi Goshta; 1959: Satajanmacha Sobti; Pativrata; Rajmanya Rajashri; Yala Jeevan Aise Nav; 1960: Avaghachi Sansar; Lagnala Jato Mi; Paishyacha Paoos; Sangat Jadli Tujhi An Majhi; Duniya Jhukti Hai; Vanakesari; 1961: Ek Dhaga Sukhacha; Matlabi Duniya; 1962: Baap Mazha Brahmachari; Bhagya Lakshmi; Char Divas Sasuche Char Divas Suneche; Drishti Jagachi Aahe Nirali; Gariba Gharchi Lek; Nandadeep; Preeti Vivah; Saptapadi; Sonyachi Paoole; Varadakshina; 1963: Pahu Re Kiti Vaat!; Vaibhav; 1964: Vaat Chuklele Navre; 1965: Kama Purta Mama; Sudharlelya Baika; 1966: Chala Utha Lagna Kara; 1967: Chimukla Pahuna; Daiva Janile Kuni; Shrimant Mehuna Pahije; Sukhi Sansar; 1968: Bai Mothi Bhagyachi; Mangalsutra; 1970: Ti Mi Navhech; 1971: Bahaklela Brahmachari; Bhagyavati Mi Hya Sansari; Mihi Manoosach Aahe.