A biopic on legendary Kathak dancer Sitara Devi has been announced on her 101st birth anniversary. The eminent dancer and actor was the recipient of several awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Shree and Kalidas Samman among others. Born in 1920 in Calcutta, she popularized Kathak around the globe, with Rabindranath Tagore describing her as Nritya Samragni (Empress of Dancing). She also performed dance sequences in films like Usha Haran (1940), Roti (1942), Anjali (1957), Mother India (1957) and others.
Producer Raj C Anand of Raj Anand Movies said, "We are very happy and excited to bring the story of Sitara Devi to life for big screen. We believe that her story will make a compelling watch and we would ensure that the film turns out to be as fascinating as her real-life used to be."
While the makers will announce the cast and director soon, the research work on the legendary artist has already started.
Ranjit Barot, a musician and drummer, and the son of Sitara Devi, is guiding the project.
He said, "I am excited that a film is to be made on my mother's life. When Raj Anand (producer) came to me with the idea of making a film on her, I realised it is coming from a very genuine space of enthusiasm and admiration towards my mother who was an iconic artist. We intend to bring to the screen the untold story of her life through this endeavour.“