While Deepika Padukone’s soon-to-be-placed star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been hailed widely as a first for Indian cinema, few are aware that this is not the first time an Indian has been bestowed the honour. That feat was quietly accomplished over half a century ago by Sabu Dastagir, a name all but lost to the current generation but one who was celebrated in his day as a pioneer during Hollywood’s golden age.
Who Is Sabu Dastagir?
Born in 1924 in Mysore, Sabu was brought up in poor circumstances. His father was a mahout, an old-style elephant trainer. His life was turned completely around when American director Robert Flaherty spotted him and cast him in the starring role in Elephant Boy (1937), a British picture based on Rudyard Kipling’s Toomai of the Elephants. Sabu’s natural personality won him over with Westerners instantly.
His debut role led the way to a string of hit films like The Drum (1938), The Thief of Bagdad (1940), and Jungle Book (1942). While non-white actors were largely pushed to the sidelines during those years, Sabu’s lead appearances were nothing short of revolutionary. He became the face of Western adventure-fantasy films and received star billing, a novelty for coloured actors at the time.
Sabu went on to become a U.S. citizen and even served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Even though his pre-war career was highly successful, his post-war career struggled, and his roles finally slowed down. Ironically, in spite of being famous internationally, Sabu did not work in an Indian film ever. He was approached for a role in Mother India (1957), but could not accept due to visa issues.
He died suddenly in 1963 at only 39 years of age. But not before having his name placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, the first Indian actor to be so honoured.
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