'''Keshavrao Date  (1889-1971)'''


Major Marathi stage actor born in Adivare, Ratnagiri Dist., Maharashtra; one of the first practitioners of naturalist prose theatre at Maharashtra Natak Mandali (e.g. Agryahun Sutka and Bebandshahi) in an era dominated by [[Sangeet Natak]] musicals. Key participant, with writer-actor [[K. Narayan Kale]] and composer [[Keshavrao Bhole]], of Natyamanwantar group’s production of Andhalyanchi Shala (1933), a pinnacle of Stanislavsky (and Ibsen/Shaw) inspired naturalism in Marathi theatre, prompting [[Shantaram]] to hire all three for [[Prabhat]]. Kale suggests that Date’s constant effort to reconcile reformist-social literature’s stereotypes with European theatrical styles inevitably led to the expressionist technique of fragmenting characters into certain gestures and a speaking style, construed as an ‘entry into the character’s mind’ (Kale, 1950). Best-known film work with Shantaram at Prabhat (e.g. the classic Kunku and [[Shejari]]) and [[Rajkamal]] ([[Dahej]], Toofan Aur Diya), where his declamatory speech and gesture fitted Shantaram’s expressionist inclinations. Date’s style remains a characteristic of Shantaram’s influential variant of melodrama. Also directed some films at Rajkamal. Biography by V.V. Jog (1976).


FILMOGRAPHY (* also d): 1934: Amritmanthan; 1936: Savkari Pash; 1937: Kunku/Duniya Na Mane; Pratibha; 1938: Umaji Naik; 1939: Sant Tulsidas; Adhuri Kahani; 1940: Chingari; Diwali; Holi; 1941: Shejari; 1942: Kisise Na Kehna*; 1944: Bhakticha Mala/Mali*; 1946: Dr Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani; 1947: Andhon Ki Duniya*; 1948: Bhool; 1949: Apna Desh/Nam Naadu; 1950: Dahej; Jara Japoon; 1951: Kunkvacha Dhani; Sharada; 1953: Teen Batti Char Raasta; Maisaheb; Surang; 1955: Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje; 1956: Toofan Aur Diya; 1957: Do Aankhen Barah Haath; 1958: Mausi; 1959: Navrang; 1961: Stree; 1963: Sehra; 1964: Geet Gaya Pattharone; 1965: Iye
Marathyachi Nagari/Ladki Sahyadri Ki.


[[Actor]]