Sitara Devi biopic announced on her 101st birth anniversary

Producer Raj Anand announced a film on the life of the celebrated dancer, singer and yesteryear actress Sitara Devi today, which happens to be her 101st birth anniversary. 

Speaking about his latest project, Raj Anand said in a statement, “We are very happy and excited to bring the story of Sitara Devi to life on [the] 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 life was.” 

The makers are taking the help of Sitara Devi’s son. “Ranjit Barot, the celebrated musician and drummer, who is the son of Sitara Devi, is guiding the project by sharing deep insights into his mother’s life and is helping with the research to bring the fascinating story of a woman who redefined feminism and womanhood by living life on her own terms,” read a statement from the makers. 

Sharing his reason for joining the project, Barot said, “I am excited that a film is to be made on my mother's life. When Raj Anand came to me with the idea of making a film on her, I realised it was 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.” 

The makers have said that they will announce the director and the list of the cast soon. 

Born Dhanalakshmi in Calcutta in 1920, Sitara Devi received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969 and Padma Shri in 1973. She appeared in quite a few films including Watan (1938), Roti (1942) and Nagina (1951). She also had a guest appearance in Mehboob Khan’s classic Mother India (1957).