But before that, in Bombay Talkies, the duo had created alongside some of the best films of Indian cinema, the most egalitarian and worker-friendly environment, unusual for the period. Everyone — big stars and extras, camera and studio staff — ate together in the canteen. They were keen to introduce a more ‘respectable’ ambience into film-making and head-hunted educated and well-mannered artistes. A generation of great actors and directors got their start at Bombay Talkies — Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Amiya Chakravarty, Kamal Amrohi and even Bimal Roy. Raj Kapoor worked as a clapper boy. Films like Achchut Kanya, Kangan, Kismet, Jwar Bhata, Mahal were made there.

Devika died a tragic figure in 1994 in the midst of a property dispute in Bangalore. Yet, it was a colourful life and one which was crucial for the development of Indian cinema.

It is puzzling that we can forget and even abandon her like we have done today. But fortunately for all of us, Devika knew that one day, perhaps, she would regain her prominence in Indian cinema. Even after Bombay Talkies shut down, she carefully preserved all files of reviews, bills, photographs and film scripts. Before her death she gave the material to the curator of the Roerich Museum in New York, saying that some day someone may come looking for them.

Her meticulous archiving convinces me yet again that Devika was one of the smartest women in Indian cinema. If only we were doing more to remember her.

... contd.