Artist Spotlight : Mallika Sarabhai

Mallika Sarabhai, a renowned Indian classical dancer and activist, has achieved numerous accolades and made significant contributions in various fields throughout her career. She began learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 7 and trained under Kalyanasundaram Pillai(Tanjavur school) and Rajaratnam (Vazhuvoor School)

Awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2010, in recognition of her distinguished service in the field of performing arts. Conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, one of the most prestigious honours in Indian classical arts, for her outstanding contributions to Bharatanatyam.Sarabhai founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, India, a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and education of Indian classical dance, music, theatre, and other performing arts forms. Furthermore,she has published books and articles on topics ranging from dance to social activism, and frequently lectures at universities, conferences, and other forums, sharing her insights and experiences with diverse audiences. Appeared in several films and television programs such as The Good person of Schezwan,both as a dancer and an actress, contributing to the popularization of Indian dance and culture through mass media. In the year 2012, Mallika co-directed 'Women with Broken Wings,' an international production with filmmaker Yadavan Chandran and Swiss pianist Elizabeth Sombart, an ode to the millions of women who have been the victims of violence. In 2014 she recreated, with Yadavan Chandran, Kadak Badshaahi, a multimedia production on the 603-year-old history of the city of Ahmedabad.

Furthermore, the French Government awarded her with a knight's rank in the Order of Academic Palms in 2005 for her contribution in the field of drama and dance. The government of Gujarat awarded her with 'Gaurav Puraskar' for the contribution in the field of drama and dance. Her Bharatnatyam performances like Dance of Life' reflects the different aspects of Indian sciences.

In the year 2012, Mallika co-directed 'Women with Broken Wings,' an international production with filmmaker Yadavan Chandran and Swiss pianist Elizabeth Sombart, an ode to the millions of women who have been the victims of violence. In 2014 she recreated, with Yadavan Chandran, Kadak Badshaahi, a multimedia production on the 603-year-old history of the city of Ahmedabad.

 

Mallika Sarabhai's achievements not only highlight her exceptional talent and contributions to the performing arts but also underscore her commitment to using art as a tool for social change and empowerment.