Sabita Devi

Sabita Devi Biography

Sabita Devi was one of the earliest heroines of Indian talkies. She shared a star status among the top heroines during the era of 1930s and 1940s. Dr. Madhurika (1935) and Kulvadhu (1937) directed by Sarvottam Badami and the comedy films - Aap Ki Marzi (1939) and Ladies Only (1939) were among her major successes. In 1938 she was the third highest paid actress after Sulochana and Goharwith a monthly salary of rupees 3000. Classic writers like K. M. Munshi and Ramanlal Vasantlal were frequently used to write stories for this lead actress during that period.

She was born into a Jewish family in 1914 to Percy Osborne Gasper and she had two siblings. Iris Gasper was her real name. She changed her name to Sabita Devi, that’s quite acceptable to Indian audience. She entered the film scene when actresses of Jewish origin dominated the screen using Indian screen names. She too followed the same way and changed her name. She first worked with British Dominion Films Ltd in Kolkata, followed by Sagar Movietone in Mumbai. It was during this time when she gained success and popularity as an actress. She acted in silent movies and talkies in the 1930s.

Kamaner Aagun in 1930 was her debut film, produced by British Dominion Films Ltd in Kolkata. Aparadhi (1931), Takay Ki Na Hay (1931), Maraner Pare (1931), Bhagya Lakshmi (1932) etc are some of her early releases. Very soon she moved to Mumbai. From 1935-1943 she appeared in more than 15 films directed by Sarvottam Badami. When she moved to Mumbai and worked under Sagar Movietone, she was successfully paired with Motilal for many movies. In fact she was the heroine of Motilal’s first film - Shaher Ka Jadoo. She acted in the action film - Silver King (1935) with Motilal. She retired from movies in 1947. This actress considered acting as a profession of dignity. She passed away in 1965 in her middle ages.

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Updated: March 20, 2016