LONGEST KISS Paperback

"The Longest Kiss: The Life and Times of Devika Rani" by Kishwar Desai is a comprehensive biography that unearths the extraordinary life of Devika Rani, India's first international superstar and the "first lady of Hindi films" from the 1930s and 40s. Drawing on extensive research including previously unpublished letters, the book chronicles her journey from a privileged upbringing to her pioneering role in establishing Bombay Talkies with her first husband, Himansu Rai, and running it after his controversial death. It delves into her bold on-screen persona, her tumultuous personal life, and her ultimate withdrawal from the film world, offering a vivid portrait of a woman who shaped early Indian cinema while navigating societal pressures and personal challenges.