Sitara Devi’s daughter to pay tribute to late dancer

Eminent Kathak danseuse Sitara Devi’s daughter Jayantimala and son-in-law Rajesh Mishra will pay tribute to the late dancer on March 14 and 15 here.

It’s a nostalgic moment, Jayantimala told IANS.

“The event will happen on two consecutive days and I will be performing on one of the days. Sitara Devi’s granddaughter Rishika Mishra will also be performing on March 15,” she added.

Adding to this, Rajesh said: “We are paying tribute to Sitara Devi. All her close ones who have been associated with her, will make their presence at the event. The program will begin with a short film on her, and it will be followed by few performances.”

The programme is scheduled to take place at Bhavans Cultural Centre here.

Sitara Devi died in November 2014 at the age of 94 due to kidney failure. Lauded by Rabindranath Tagore as ‘Nritya Samragini’ (empress of dance), the talented lady performed all over India and abroad, including prestigious venues like Royal Albert Hall, London (1967) and the Carnegie Hall, New York (1976).

Honours came from all over, including Padma Shri. But Sitara Devi declined the Padma Bhushan, contending that she deserved a Bharat Ratna given her immense contribution to Kathak.

Inputs by IANS