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Narsinh Mehta (1932) First Gujarati Movie


Narsinh Mehta (Gujarati: નરસિંહ મેહતા) is a 1932 Gujarati biographical film directed by Nanubhai Vakil. It was the first Gujarati cinema.



The first Gujarati feature film is a saint film about the life of Narasinh Mehta (1408-75), played by Master Manhar. Mehta is known for his evocative Prabhatiyan (morning hymns) and especially for his composition Vaishnava jana to ('The Vaishnav is he who knows the pain of others') made popular by Gandhi, who also adapted the poet's term Harijan (children of god) for the nation's Untouchables. The film adheres to the Gandhian interpretation of Narasinh Mehta's work, avoiding e.g. miracle scenes.

Cast

The cast was:[4]
  • Master Manhar as Narsinh Mehta
  • Umakant Desai as Krishna
  • Mohan Lala as Ra Mandlik
  • Khatun as Kunwarbai
  • Master Bachu as Kunwarbai's husband
  • Miss Jamna as Manekbai
  • Miss Mehtab as Rukmini
Marutirao, Trikam Das and Miss Devi appeared in other roles.[4]

Production

The sets were designed by Ravishankar Raval.[4]

Criticism

According to Anandshankar Dhruv, the film adhered to a Gandhian interpretation of Narsinh Mehta. The film was devoid of miracles associated with him.

References

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