Ketaki Dutta
Born in 1934 in Kolkata, Shrimati Ketaki Dutta was initiated in theatre by her mother Prova Devi, a leading actress of her time. She received training in acting from the doyen of Bengali theatre, Sisir Kumar Bhaduri. She also received training in dance and vocal music from Lalit Goswami, Ranjit Ray, K. C. Dey, and Rajlakshmi.
Starting her career on the Bengali stage with the Minerva Theatre in 1949, Shrimati Ketaki Dutta subsequently worked with other leading companies like Star and Rangmahal, co- starring with stalwarts like Chhabi Biswas, Mahendra Gupta, Sarajubala Debi and others. She has won critical acclaim for her performances in plays such as Anthony Kobiyal, Noti Binodini, Dayal Opera, Barbodhu, Kamalkamini and Nijabhumey. She has also acted in films and produced a cassette of her theatre songs.
For her contribution to Bengali theatre, Ketaki Dutta has received several honours including the West Bengal State Akademi Award, the Bengali Stage Centenary Star Theatre Award, and the Sarajubala Debi Smriti Award.
Shrimati Ketaki Dutta receives the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution to Indian theatre as an actress.