The First Lady Of Indian Cinema. Devika Rani was one of the most famous female actors that reigned the cinema of 30s and 40s. She is popularly known as 'the first lady of Indian cinema.' Her first film 'Karma' - an Indian talkie with English dialogues ,released in 1933. Her husband Himanshu Rai too acted in this film which was later also released in Hindi as 'Nagan Ki Ragini' The success of 'Karma' garnered praise upon her.