Durgabai Kamat - The woman who broke barriers as Indian cinema’s first female actor

In the early days of Indian cinema, working in films was considered taboo for women. Female characters were often portrayed by men on stage and in early films. However, this changed when Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema, decided to cast women in his productions, challenging societal norms and opening doors for female actors.

Durgabai Kamat made history as the first female actor in Indian cinema when she played Parvati in Phalke’s 1913 film 'Mohini Bhasmasur'. Her daughter, Kamlabai Gokhale, simultaneously became the first female child actor, portraying Mohini. Their pioneering work marked a significant turning point in cinema, though Durgabai’s contributions are often overlooked today.

Born in 1879 in Mumbai, Durgabai completed her education up to the seventh standard, which was considered equivalent to the modern tenth standard. She married Anand Nanoskar, a history teacher at JJ School of Arts, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1903. Following the separation, she took on the responsibility of raising her three-year-old daughter, Kamlabai, as a single mother in a conservative society.

After her divorce, Durgabai chose to pursue a career in acting to provide a better future for her daughter, despite societal disapproval. She was shunned by many and faced criticism, particularly from men who resented the competition for female roles. Nonetheless, she remained determined, breaking barriers for women in a field dominated by men.

Durgabai went on to act in approximately 70 films, including 'Mohini Bhasmasur' (1913), 'Babanchi Bayko' (1927), and 'Gulami Janjir' (1931). She is remembered for her courage, resilience, and contribution to Indian cinema. The legendary actress lived an extraordinary life, passing away at the remarkable age of 117, leaving behind a legacy that paved the way for generations of women in film.