She was originally called Dhanalakshmi as her birthday coincided with Diwali. But, her father, a Vaishnavite Brahmin scholar and Kathak exponent, decided to rechristen the little girl after she impressed one and all with her performance in a school dance drama — her new name was Sitara (a star) followed by the suffix 'Devi'.


Sitara Devi 

Yesterday, that star left for her heavenly abode. She was 94. Her last rites will take place on Thursday as her son, Ranjit Barot, is abroad for a show. Sitara Devi was honoured with the Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Award 2011 for her contribution to the classical dance genre for over six decades but died fighting for a piece of land for a dance academy.