New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut will soon be playing the role of the legendary theatre icon Noti Binodini in her next film. One of the most revered and well-known figures from Begal's history, Noti Binodini came to be known as the most famous actress of the nineteenth century Bengal. Kangana Ranaut starrer is being helmed by Pradeep Sarkar who's helmed films like 'Parineeta' and 'Mardani'. While audiences will have to wait and see Kangana in the film, let us understand and learn a little about the theatre artist.
Who is Noti Binodini/Binodini Das?
Binodini Das came from a humble background. The actress and singer was born in Kolkata in a subarb inhabited by sex workers predominantely. Better known by her stage name Nati Binodani, the actress started her career in acting at the age of 12 and gave it up at 23. Her family was poor and was said to have been involved in prostitution. In fact, the actress called herself a prostitute in her biography. Binodini Das was married at the age of 5 but later had no connection with her husband. She was a mistress to three persons, as per a report by Banglapedia.org.
Noti Binodini made her debut in the Great National Theatre in a minor role of Draupadi. She also worked for the Bengal Theatre. Das was also associated with the famous actor and playwright Girish Chandra Ghosh from whom it is said she learnt acting. Girish Chandra and Noti Binodini also founded the Star Theatre in 1883.
Despite her acclaim as an actress, Binodini suffered aggressively at the hands of society. Binodini is also said to have performed the role of Chaitanaya in Chaitanyaleela in front of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the revered Hindu religious guru of the nineteenth century Bengal. Binodini's acting skills were also admired by prominent personalities of the time like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhya and Swami Vivekananda.
Binodini Das also had a flair for writing and published her own autobiography 'Amar Katha' in 1912. She also wrote poetry and several other stories in her simple and frank style.
Because of the social repression on women during the time and especially on Binodini as a theatre actress, Noti Binodini died a lonely woman having lost her daughter at an early age.