Master Dattaram

Master Dattaram, born Dattaram Narayan Walwaikar (also spelled as Dattaram Narayan Volvoikar; 10 June 1913 – 19 September 1984), was an Indian theatre actor and director from Goa. He is known for his work in the Marathi theatre, particularly for his association with the Goa Hindu Association and his roles in historical plays.

Early life Dattaram Narayan Walwaikar was born on 10 June 1913 in the village of Volvoi, Portuguese Goa. He received formal education up to the fourth grade, but reportedly lacked an interest in academic studies. Instead, he developed a passion for performance by participating in traditional Dashavtari plays.

Career Early career (1923–1940s) At the age of 10, Dattaram joined the Lalitprabha musical troupe, led by Sakharam Barve. He briefly performed the role of Pendha in the play Kunjvihari, written by Mama Varerkar. He subsequently joined the Rang Bodhechhu Samaj, a theatre company run by Raghuvir Savkar. During his time with this group, he was noted for his performance as Kritike in the play Sanshaykallol. Although he did not receive formal training from a playwright, he taught himself acting by observing established artists such as Nanasaheb Phatak, Chintamanrao Kolhatkar, and Ganpatrao Joshi. On his 100th birth anniversary in 2013, a book on his life was released as part of a special programme at the Institute Menezes Braganza.

An auditorium at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda, is named after him.