Saraswati Devi

Saraswati Devi (1912–1980), born as Khurshid Mankesha Minocher-Homji, was one of the earliest and most influential female music directors in Indian cinema. She played a pioneering role in shaping the sound of Hindi films during the 1930s and 1940s, a time when the film industry was dominated almost entirely by men. 

She was born into a Parsi family and developed a deep interest in music from a young age. Recognizing her talent, her father encouraged her to study Hindustani classical music under the renowned musicologist Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande. She later continued her education at Marris College in Lucknow (now the Bhatkhande Music Institute), where she received formal training in classical styles such as Dhrupad and Dhamar. 

Before entering films, Saraswati Devi gained popularity through radio performances. Along with her sister Manek, she performed regularly on All India Radio in Mumbai as the “Homji Sisters.” Their musical programs became quite popular, showcasing her talent and helping her gain recognition in the music world. 

Her entry into films happened when filmmaker Himanshu Rai of Bombay Talkies heard her radio performances and invited her to compose music for films. She accepted the offer and began her film career with Jawani Ki Hawa (1935). At that time, playback singing had not yet become common, so actors had to sing themselves. Saraswati Devi worked hard to train them and simplified compositions to suit their abilities. 

Her breakthrough came with the film Achut Kanya (1936), whose songs became very popular. One of her most famous compositions, “Main Ban Ki Chidiya,” remains memorable even today. She also composed music for Janmabhoomi (1936), which featured an early patriotic song during India’s freedom movement. 

Due to social resistance within the conservative Parsi community regarding women working in films, her real identity was concealed, and she was given the name “Saraswati Devi.” Despite these challenges, she continued to work successfully and became one of the first recognized female music directors in Hindi cinema. 

Throughout her career, she composed music for many films such as Izzat (1937), Jeevan Prabhat (1937), Jhoola (1941), and Prarthana (1943). She also composed songs like “Koi Humdum Na Raha” and the original version of “Ek Chatur Naar,” which later became popular again in later films. 

Saraswati Devi continued working in films until 1961. Despite her significant contributions, she lived a quiet life and remained largely unrecognized in her later years. She passed away on 9 August 1980 at the age of 68. 

Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer who broke gender barriers in Indian cinema and laid the foundation for future generations of women music composers.