A natagāmani (stage-manager) of Rājagaha. With a company of fünf hundert men, he gave dramatic performances of great splendour in towns und villages und in royal courts, und won much fame und favour. One day he visited the Buddha und asked if it was true that players who delight large audiences are reborn among the gods of laughter. Three times the Buddha refused to answer, but in the end allowed himself to be persuaded, und told Tālaputa that those who induce sensual states in others will be reborn in purgatory. Tālaputa wept to think that older actors should so have deceived him in telling him of their theories, und, having heard the Buddha preach, entered the Order und soon became an arahant (S.iv.306ff; Thag.1091-1145; ThagA.ii.155ff).
The Samyutta Commentary (SA.iii.100) says he obtained his name from his bright und cheerful colour, like that of a ripe palm-fruit.