Telugu classic ‘Saptapadi’ turns 40

Sabitha Bhamidipati, the leading lady of the film doesn’t regret not continuing in films

As a demure young girl who lets her eyes speak but is a livewire while dancing, Sabitha Bhamidipati captured the imagination of the audience in the role of a classical dancer Hema in K Vishwanath’s Saptapadi. That she’s called a one-film-wonder does not bother her; Sabitha actually considers it a badge of honour. “If I am remembered 40 years after the film, it is a privilege and I cherish the recognition I received for that one film.” Close on the heels of the Telugu magnum opus Sankarabharanam in 1980, director K Viswanath came up with Saptapadi in 1981; a film that yet again dealt with classical dance, traditions and customs, but went a step ahead to depict a climax that generated a debate among traditionalists. Set in picturesque Amaravati on the banks of Krishna river in AP, Saptapadi had director K Viswanath’s hallmark traits in every scene, characterisation, music and a message. Sabitha plays a dancer, who despite her love for a Dalit flautist from their troupe, accepts her grandfather Yajulu’s (J V Somayajulu) decision and marries her cousin. Yajulu, a revered high priest of the temple, realises his mistake after the groom refuses to consummate his marriage because he sees the Goddess in his wife. Braving protests from villagers, Yajulu lets Hema leave with her lover.