Devika Rani

Undoubtedly Devika Rani will be ever remembered for her contribution to Indian Cinema as well as for her truly a great beauty.

The birth of Devika Rani, the first film actress of India, took place in Waltaire (Vishakhapatnam). She was the grandniece of Rabindranath Tagore, the famous poet honored with the Noble prize. Col. M.N. Chaudhari, the first Indian Surgeon-General of Madras (new name Chennai), was her father and her mother's name was Mrs. Leela Chaudhari.

After completing her school education in early 1920s, she joined Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and the Royal Academy of Music in London to study drama. She also won scholarships there. She also studied architecture, textile and decor design, and apprenticed under Elizabeth Arden.

During the study period Devika Rani met with Himanshu Rai. He appointed her as set designer for his first production ‘Light of Asia’ (1925). They got married in 1929. Mr. got accepted the offer to make ‘A Throw of Dice’ (1929) in collaboration with Germany's famous UFA Studio. For this purpose they had to left for Germany.

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