devika biography

Devika Rani
Date of Birth
30 March 1908, Waltair, Andhra Pradesh, India
Date of Death
8 March 1994, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Birth Name
Devika Rani Choudhury
Nickname
The Dragon Lady
Spouse
Dr. Svetoslav Roerich (1945 - 1993) (his death)
Himansu Rai (1929 - May 1940) (his death)
Trivia
Formed a successful on-screen pair with Ashok Kumar. They starred in a series of films starting with Jeevan Naya (1936), but it was Achhut Kanya (1936), which capitulated the two into big time fame.
In 1934, Himansu Rai and Devika Rani set up the famous Bombay Talkies Ltd. studio in Malad, Bombay. Devika Rani played the lead in most of their early productions, and her outstanding portrayals, her style of acting and new approach created a distinct form and tradition. Most of her films have become classics of the Indian screen.
She is remembered today as being the first lady of the Indian screen. For her contribution to Indian Cinema, the President of India awarded her the decoration of 'Padma Shri', and she was the first ever recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award in 1970.
Daughter of Col. M. N. Choudheri, I.M.S., and Mrs. Leela Choudheri. Her father had a distinguished medical career and was the first Indian Surgeon General of Madras. Her Grand-uncle was Rabindranath Tagore, one of India's greatest poets.
She was educated in England, where she studied applied arts in London, specializing in textile designing and decor, and also architecture. She was already working as a textile designer at a leading art studio in London when she met the well-known Indian producer Himansu Rai, who persuaded her to join his production unit, to further the cause of Indian films.

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