Cinemaazi remembers Kanan Devi on her birth anniversary

One of the biggest singing stars of her era, Kanan Devi was born #OnThisDay in 1916. She began her career as a child artiste in Jyotish Bannerjee's films in the 1920s. She intially worked with Madan Theatre and Radha Films. It was later with New Theatres that she reached the peak of stardom, beginning with P C Barua's Mukti (1937), and Debaki Bose's Bidyapati (1937). Her distinctive fast tempo singing made her one of the identifiable voices of the era, associated with innummerable hits. Along with K L Saigal she was the top star for New Theatres. She also flouted tradition in her personal life, by marrying Ashok Maitra despite stringent opposition from Brahmo Samaj members. She formed Shrimati Pictures in 1949 and turned producer. Another significant achievement was the formation of the Sabyasachi collective, of which noted cinematographer-director Ajoy Kar was a member. Cinemaazi salutes her for her contributions.