The Light of Asia (1925)
Living an indolent life in a luxurious palace, Prince Gautama (Rai) is insulated by his family from the harshness of the world outside. But he is destined to learn greater truths: shocked to discover the pain and suffering of so many in his kingdom, he abandons his privileged existence, and his wife Gopa (Seeta Devi), to become a wandering teacher, eventually finding enlightenment and founding Buddhism. Featuring superimposed images and deep-focus shots that were highly impressive for the time, Light of Asia astutely combines a deeply felt spirituality with the surefire attraction of Indian exotica, which helped make it a considerable success in Europe.
Directors: Franz Osten, Himansu Rai.
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Seeta Devi as Gopa |
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Himansu Rai as Gautama |
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Sarada Ukil as King Suddhodhana |
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Rani Bala as Queen Maya |
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Prafulla Roy as Devadatta |
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Modhu Bose as |
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Mrinalini Devi as |
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Sunalini Devi as |
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Sushil Ghosh as |
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Sundar Rajam as |
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Ekambi 'Wilhelm' Tongo as |
| Directing | Franz Osten | Director |
| Writing | Edwin Arnold | Writer |
| Writing | Niranjan Pal | Writer |
| Directing | Himansu Rai | Director |
| Production | Himansu Rai | Producer |
| Sound | Hansheinrich Dransmann | Original Music Composer |
| Camera | Willi Kiermeier | Director of Photography |
| Camera | Josef Wirsching | Director of Photography |
| Art | Devika Rani | Set Decoration |
| Costume & Make-Up | Charu Roy | Costume Design |
| Directing | Bertl Schultes | Assistant Director |
