Lillete Dubey recreates Devika Rani's popular songs for her upcoming play

Actress and theatre director Lillete Dubey is readying her next production, Devika Rani, based on the inspiring, unconventional life of the 'First Lady of Indian cinema'. The star of the 1930s and 1940s, Devika Rani's films were also known for their hit music.

Lillette Dubey's new play pays tribute to Devika Rani, the ‘first lady of Indian cinema’

Dubey's play will incorporate the music of the bygone era and update them for today's audience. These include 'Bichadgaye' from Acchut Kanya (1936), 'Matwale Naino Wali' from Izzat (1937), 'Holi Ki Aayi Bahaar' from Anjaan (1941), and rousing hit 'Door Hato Aye Duniya Walo' from Kismet (1943), the blockbuster hit from Bombay Talkies, produced by Devika after her husband Himanshu Rai's death.

"Devika Rani was known for her love for acting and her signature songs that catapulted her to stardom and united the nation in their love for music and films. It's an important part of who she was and we want to give it the significance it deserves," Lillete stated.

"We've picked out some of her songs and will render a newer version of them in the play. Music always helps to deliver the nuances of the storyline with better clarity and I hope we can do justice to her story," she continued.

Ira Dubey, Lillete's daughter, will play the independent thinking star of the silver screen. Joy Sengupta plays Rai, while Rishi Khurana, Nandita Dubey, Aakanksha Kadre, Pranav Sachdev, Kashyap Shangari are also part of the cast.

Organized by Showhouse, Devika Rani will be performed across Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, and Bangalore. The dates and venues for its upcoming productions in Hyderabad, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Baroda are yet be announced. The play will premiere at the end of August and tickets will be available on BookMyShow.