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.
Directing | Himansu Rai | Director |
Writing | Edwin Arnold | Writer |
Directing | Franz Osten | Director |
Writing | Niranjan Pal | Writer |
Camera | Josef Wirsching | Director of Photography |
Costume & Make-Up | Charu Roy | Costume Design |
Sound | Hansheinrich Dransmann | Original Music Composer |
Production | Himansu Rai | Producer |
Directing | Bertl Schultes | Assistant Director |
Camera | Willi Kiermeier | Director of Photography |
Art | Devika Rani | Set Decoration |