Today is the death anniversary of Devika Rani, who is called the First Lady of Indian Cinema. Born on 30 March 1908 in Visakhapatnam, Devika said goodbye to this world on 9 March 1994. In the era when women were not allowed to leave the house, Devika had set a different example for the society by becoming the heroine in the film. It was Devika Rani who did the work of taking Indian cinema to the global standard. Her acting was compared to Greta Garbo, hence she was also called ‘Indian Garbo’.
Devika Rani went to England to study at the age of nine. From there he studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Along with acting there, Devika also studied textile design, decor and architecture. When Devika returned to India after completing her studies, she wanted to make her career in films but her family did not agree to it.
It was during this time that Devika met filmmaker Himanshu Roy. Himanshu was so impressed with Devika’s beauty that in the year 1933, he cast Devika in his film ‘Karma’. This was the first English speaking film made by an Indian. Devika surprised everyone by giving a 4-minute lip lock kissing scene in the film ‘Karma’. After this scene, Devika got a lot of criticism and the film was also banned.
found love for the second time
Later Himanshu and Devika got married. There was a difference of 16 years between the two. Devika and Himanshu Roy together formed a studio named Bombay Talkies. The first film of this banner was ‘Jawani Ki Hawa’, which was released in the year 1935. While working together in this film, the closeness between Devika and Najmul started growing. One night both disappeared. When searched, they were found in a hotel in Kolkata.
Second marriage of Svetoslab Roerich
From here, there was a rift in the married relationship of Himanshu and Devika. Devika returned to Himanshu on her own terms and remained with him until his death (1940). However, when the films made under the Bombay Talkies banner did not become a hit, Devika left the industry. Meanwhile, he met the Russian painter Svetoslab Roerich. Later Devika Rani married him. Devika Rani died on 9 March 1994.