Sitara Devi

Sitara Devi: Empress of Kathak Sitara Devi (1920-2014), born Dhanlakshmi, reigned as a leading exponent of Kathak dance, achieving international acclaim for her artistry. Her career spanned decades, marked by performances at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, London (1967), and Carnegie Hall, New York (1976). Devi's talent was recognized early; at sixteen, Rabindranath Tagore bestowed upon her the title of "Nritya Samragni" (Empress of Dance). Devi's contributions extended beyond performance. She received numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her status as a cultural icon. While primarily celebrated for her dance, her contributions to film as an actress further enriched her legacy, though details of her film roles are less readily available compared to her extensive dance career. Considered by many as the "Kathak Queen," her legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers. Her mastery of Kathak, combined with her captivating stage presence, cemented her place in Indian performing arts history.