Star Devi’s Life, Marriages and Awards – A Kathak Icon’s Legacy

Beyond the stage, Star Devi’s personal life unfolded with as much drama as her performances. She entered her first marriage at eight years old to Shri Desai, a union that was later dissolved by her own decision. Her second marriage was to actor Nazir Ahmed Khan, during which she embraced Islam; the couple eventually divorced. A third marriage linked her to filmmaker K. Asif, but that relationship also ended in separation. Her final matrimonial alliance was with Gujarati businessman Pratap Barot, a partnership that lasted until her later years.

Star Devi’s contributions to Indian classical dance and cinema earned her a host of prestigious honors. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the Kalidas Samman, among others. In a bold public stance, she declined the Padma Bhushan, insisting that her impact surpassed the recognition and even demanding the nation’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

Even at 94, Star Devi’s stamina was remarkable; she performed uninterrupted 45‑minute dance sequences, with her final public appearance taking place in Mumbai in 2013. She passed away on 25 November 2014, leaving behind a resonant legacy that continues to echo through the jingling of ghungroos and the rhythmic footwork of Kathak dancers worldwide.