Google doodle celebrates Kathak legend Sitara Devi's birthday

Search engine Google on Wednesday dedicated its doodle to 'Nritya Samragini' Sitara Devi on her 97th birth anniversary.

In the doodle the Kathak legend Sitara Devi is seen in a pink costume posing elegantly at the centre of the graphic, with the accompaniments of instruments -- ghungroo, tabla and sitar -- taking the place of the remaining alphabets in the word 'google'.

The eminent classical dancer was born in 1920 to a Brahmin family from Varanasi living in Kolkata (then Calcutta).

Her father Sukhadev Maharaj was a school teacher but practised and performed Kathak, as well.

Sitara Devi started with solo performances at the tender age of 10.

When her family shifted to Bombay (now Mumbai), she gave a Kathak performance in the Atiya Begum Palace before a select audience, which included Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu and Parsi philanthropist Sir Cowasji Jehangir.

At just 16, Sitara Devi enthralled her audience. So impressed was Tagore with her performance that he gave her the title "Nritya Samragini" (the empress of dance).

Sitara Devi presented Kathak at international venues like the Royal Albert Hall, London, and Carnegie Hall, New York.

She has also been part of many Bollywood movies like "Usha Haran", "Nagina", "Roti", "Vatan", "Anjali" and "Mother India".

She has been a mentor to many Bollywood actresses and taught them Kathak. Madhubala, Rekha, Mala Sinha and Kajol are some of them.

A recipient of Padma Shri, Kalidas Samman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Nritya Nipuna, Sitara Devi was also an accomplished dancer in many other styles including Bharatanatyam, folk dances of India, Russian ballet and other western forms.

After a period of prolonged illness, the Kathak maestro breathed her last on November 25, 2014 at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.

Google today celebrates the 97th birth anniversary of legendary Kathak dancer Sitara Devi with a special Doodle.

Born in Kolkata on November 8, 1920, Sitara Devi's family was originally from Varanasi.

She started learning Kathak from a very young age and by the time she was ten, she started giving solo performances.

When she was just 16 years old, Sitara Devi was described by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as Nritya Samragini ('Empress of Dance') for her vibrant energy, effortless footwork, and unparalleled ability to bring a story to life.

Over the years, she gave performances in several parts of India, and in several other countries, including at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1967; and at the Carnegie Hall, New York in 1976.

"Her significant achievements over a career spanning six decades were recognized by several awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Padma Shree. Her legacy continues to inspire young talent in dance," read the giant's official post.

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