Google Doodle pays homage to legendary Kathak dancer Sitara Devi
Sitara Devi was responsible for popularising Kathak.
Google Doodle pays homage to Kathak dancer Sitara Devi.
Her vibrant energy and enormous talent enabled her to bring a story to life through dance.
Devi was born November 8, 1920 in Kolkata. She began to learn Kathak at a very young age and was reportedly given multiple solo performances by the age of 10.
Soon she moved to Mumbai to pursue her passion and had performed infront of Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu and Sir Cowasji Jehangir.
She was only 12 when filmmaker and dance director Niranjan Sharma selected her to be in his films. She went on to perform in many Hindi films including Nagina 1951, Roti, Vatan 1954, Anjali 1957.
Sitara Devi also showcased her talent abroad where she performed at international venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York.
Devi received numerous awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969 and the Padma Shree in 1973.
Sitara Devi passed away on November 25, 2014.
Artist Ranganath Krishnamani in honour of her 97th birthday created the artwork for Google Doodle.