Versatility could very well be Mallika Sarabhai's
middle name. She is not just a fabulous dancer of Bharatanatyam and
Kuchipudi but also a film maker, editor, TV anchor, social activist and
a famous alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad. She is the daughter of the famous
scientist Vikram Sarabhai and reputed dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai.
Intelligence and talent is in her genes. Despite being a gracious dancer
and performing most of the time, she never ignored academics. She in
fact has an MBA degree and a doctorate in "Organizational Behavior"
from IIM Ahmedabad. Her life history is very interesting. Read it in
this short biography of Mallika Sarabhai.
She was trained by R. Acharyelu in Kuchipudi. Her sharp features and
exotic looks prompted her to do some films in the Indian film industry.
She has also portrayed the role of Draupadi in Peter Brooke's "Mahabharata"
that was made in two languages, English and French. She has won the
highest civilian award of France known as "French Palme D'or''. She
also won the "Best Solo Artist" award among 400 dancers who
had come from 25 countries.
Mallika Sarabhai is also a social activist and has stood up for many
causes. She, along with her mother Mrinalini manages the Darpan Academy
of Performing Arts. It is a center for performing arts where talent is
encouraged and is given a platform to be showcased. The academy also
publishes books that address environmental concerns, depict the rich
cultural heritage of India, show women in a better light, etc. Mallika
Sarabhai is truly a woman of many dimensions and talents.
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Dances of India |
