Durgadas Bannerjee (1893-1943)
Major Bengali actor in Calcutta Theatres. Born in Kalikapur, 24 Parganas District. Introduced to film by Sisir Bhaduri (Taj Mahal Film) in 1922. From his first major film, Maanbhanjan, until late 30s he was the definitive Bengali screen hero at Madan in Jyotish Bannerjee’s literary films, at Arya Films, at Indian Kinema and at New Theatres, where he played the lead in Debaki Bose’s epoch-making Chandidas and the king in Bidyapati?. His oft-mentioned aristocratic lineage - he was born in a zamindar (landlord) family - is said to be the key to his image of dignified, heroic reserve which massively influenced the next generation of Bengali actors (cf. Chhabi Biswas). Remained major theatre star at the Star, Manmohan, Minerva and Rangmahal companies and in plays like Karnarjun (the landmark 1923 Art Theatre production of this play introduced him to the stage, and he later tackled the tough double role of both Karna and Arjun), Iraner Rani, Rishir Meye, Chirakumar Sabha. Many of these plays, later adapted to film, used performative idioms partly derived from his acting style.
FILMOGRAPHY: 1923: Maanbhanjan; 1924: Chandranath; Mishar Rani; 1925: Jaler Meye; Premanjali; 1926: Dharmapatni; Krishnakanter Will; 1927: Durgesh Nandini; 1928: Bishabriksha; Sarala; Sasthi Ki Shanti; 1929: Kapal Kundala; Rajani; Indira; 1930: Radha Rani; Buker Bojha; Kanthahaar (all St.); 1931: Dena Paona; 1932: Bhagya Lakshmi (St); Punarjanma; Chirakumar Sabha; Chandidas; 1933: Kapal Kundala; Meerabai; 1934: Mahua; 1935: Bhagya Chakra; Karodpati; 1936: Paraparey; 1937: Didi; Bidyapati; 1938: Desher Mati; 1939: Parasmani; 1940: Thikadar; 1941: Avatar; 1943: Priya Bandhabi.