Today, on the Google Doodle will celebrate the birth anniversary of superior Kathak dancer Sitara Devi. Born on November 8, 1920, Sitara Devi has been described as Nritya Samragini by Rabindranath Tagore when she was just 16 years old.
In Mumbai, Sitara Devi performed in front of a select audience which included Sarojini Naidu, Rabindranath Tagore and Sir Cowasji Jehangir. Tagore was so impressed with Sitara Devi's performance that he felicitated her with a shawl and a gift of Rs. 50. At the age of 12, Sitara Devi was selected by filmmaker and dance director Niranjan Sharma for Hindi films. Sitara Devi performed in a number of Hindi films including Nagina 1951, Roti, Vatan 1954, Anjali 1957.
Over the years, Sitara Devi performed all over India and abroad, including prestigious venues like Royal Albert Hall, London (1967) and the Carnegie Hall, New York (1976). The success in Sitara Devi's professional life did not reflect on her personal life. Sitara Devi was married twice and both marriages ended bitterly, leaving her wedded to her first passion, dance.
Some of Sitara Devi's famous students were Madhubala, Rekha, Mala Sinha and even Kajol among much more. Sitara Devi desired to set up a Kathak dance academy in Mumbai but got no land from the government. Sitara Devi received a number of awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969 and the Padma Shree in 1973.
However, in 2002 when Sitara Devi was awarded the Padma Bhushan she turned it down saying "it is my insult and not an honour". Sitara Devi as saying, "I will not accept any award less than Bharat Ratna." Sitara Devi passed away on November 25, 2014.
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