Sharmila Tagore: Devi will remain relevant till superstitions and patriarchy exist

Former Indian film actress Sharmila Tagore spoke about her film Devi and its relevance to date, in a recent interview. The actress believes that the Satyajit Ray directorial will remain relevant till the time superstitious beliefs and patriarchy exist.

Talking to Times of India, the actress said, "Set in 1860, Devi remains relevant today." She added, "There are dark pockets in India that still uphold superstition and fall prey to age-old patriarchy. Till such a mindset exists, Devi will remain a very important film."

Devi is among one of the few classics which are being re-released in October. The 1959 film's video rights were brought by a home video distribution company that also has the rights to the Apu Trilogy, Charulata, Mahanagar and Nayak.

Sharmila played the role of Doyamoyee in the film Devi when she was just a 14-year-old. She was seen as a daughter-in-law in an orthodox zamindar family. The actress believes that her performance in the film is the 'most appreciated'.

Devi also has a backdrop of Maa Kali. It has a dream sequence where Doyamoyee's face is merged with Maa Kali, which Sharmila defines as her favourite.

Satyajit's son Sandip Ray recalls the film as the first that the legendary filmmaker wrote songs for. He, too, calls the subject of superstition relevant to a few parts of society to date.