The Indian man in the 1995 film A Little Princess is Ram Dass, portrayed by actor Errol Sitahal. He is a wise and kind Lascar who serves Charles Randolph and later becomes a crucial friend and ally to Sara Crewe.
Ram Dass: Character Overview
Ram Dass plays a pivotal role in the story, particularly in providing comfort, care, and a touch of magic to Sara Crewe during her darkest times at Miss Minchin's boarding school. His quiet presence and resourceful nature offer a stark contrast to the harsh realities Sara faces.
- Role in the Film: Ram Dass is the personal servant to Charles Randolph, a kind, elderly gentleman who lives next door to Miss Minchin's school. Randolph is loosely based on the character of Mr. Carrisford from the original novel.
- Relationship with Sara: Ram Dass discovers Sara's plight and, with Mr. Randolph, secretly helps to transform Sara's dreary attic room into a beautiful, comfortable space, often leaving food, warmth, and gifts for her. He befriends Sara, offering her a sense of wonder and hope when she feels most alone.
- Significance: His character embodies wisdom, compassion, and a connection to a world beyond the confines of Victorian England, bringing a sense of enchantment and rescue to Sara's life. His actions are key to Sara's emotional and physical survival and her eventual reunion with her true family.
Character Details
To summarize Ram Dass's key attributes:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Ram Dass |
| Actor | Errol Sitahal |
| Occupation | Servant to Charles Randolph (a "Lascar," a term historically referring to a sailor or militiaman from the Indian subcontinent or Asia) |
| Key Traits | Wise, compassionate, resourceful, silent, magical |
| Role | Befriends Sara Crewe, provides her with comfort and help, facilitates her discovery by Mr. Randolph |
His Connection to Sara's Story
Ram Dass's presence underscores one of the central themes of A Little Princess: the power of kindness and imagination to overcome adversity. While Sara's father is believed to be dead and she is stripped of her wealth, Ram Dass, through his quiet acts of generosity, ensures that Sara's spirit is never entirely broken. He represents the unexpected sources of help and wonder that can appear even in the grimmest of circumstances, allowing Sara to maintain her belief in magic and goodness.
For more information on the film and its characters, you can refer to the A Little Princess (1995 film) Wikipedia page.
