Bellary Raghava (1880-1946) Commemoration
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 31, 1981 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 35 p |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 14½ x 14 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Brown olive |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 886 Stamp Number IN 939 Yvert et Tellier IN 687 Stanley Gibbons IN 1023 |
| Themes | Actors | Commemoration | Famous people | Men |
Tadpatri Raghavacharlu, popularly known as Bellary Raghava, was not only a renowned actor but also a multifaceted individual. Born on August 2, 1880, he received his early education in Bellary and later graduated in law from Madras University. His uncle, Dharmavaram Ramakrishnamachari, a pioneering dramatist in Telugu, introduced him to the stage. Raghava was also associated with another great dramatist, Kolachalam Srinivasa Rao.
As an actor, Raghava was known for his extraordinary talent and supreme mastery of expression. His expressive eyes and mobile face allowed him to embody a wide range of emotions, from a clown to a king. He was equally proficient in English, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi plays, with Bellary, Bangalore, and Madras being his main centers of activity. In 1909, he founded the Amateur Dramatic Association of Bangalore, advocating and developing the naturalistic style in acting.
During his visit to England in 1927, Raghava participated in English dramas alongside renowned actors like Laurence Olivier and Charles Laughton. Upon his return to India, he encouraged playwrights to embrace naturalistic plays over classical styles, emphasizing short dialogues and appropriate gestures.
Raghava’s presentation of “Tappevaridi” by Rajamannar in 1930 in Madras was considered a significant milestone in ushering in a new era of theatre. Admirers of his work included Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Bernard Shaw. However, the advent of movies posed a challenge to Raghava’s vision of modern theater. Although he tried acting in films, it did not fulfill him or his audience.
In addition to his acting career, Raghava was a busy lawyer and a dedicated social worker. He invested all his earnings into developing his passion for the arts and uplifting the downtrodden. His contributions to Indian theater were invaluable, and he left behind a legacy of excellence when he passed away on April 17, 1946. The Postal and Telegraph Department is privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in his honor.