Who is Mrinalini Swaminathan ?
Mrinalini Sarabhai was an Indian dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer, and activist. Famous for her expertise in classical dance forms like Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, she made significant contributions to preserving and promoting Indian dance heritage. Through her art, she conveyed messages about social issues and environmental conservation. Married to scientist Vikram Sarabhai, she left a profound impact on Indian culture and society.
Wiki/Overview
Full Name | Mrinalini Vikram Sarabhai |
Birth Name | Mrinalini Swaminathan |
Nickname | Amma |
Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Writer, Activist |
Date of Birth | 11 May, 1918 |
Place of Birth | Madras Presidency, British India |
Age (as of 2016) | 97 |
Date of Death | 21 January, 2016 |
Place of Death | Ahmedabad, India |
Cause of Death | Cardiac arrest |
Father | Subbarama Swaminathan |
Mother | Ammu Swaminathan |
Spouse | Vikram Sarabhai |
Education | N/A |
Alma Mater | Choreographing performances like “Manushya” and “Ganga”; Highlighting environmental issues in productions like “Aspirations”; Founding the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts |
Organization | Darpana Academy of Performing Arts; Nehru Foundation For Development; Prakriti; Sarvodaya International Trust |
Known for | Choreographing performances like “Manushya” and “Ganga”; Highlighting environmental issues in productions like “Aspirations”; Founding the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts |
Residence | N/A |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Hinduism |
Hair Colour | Black |
Height | 5’4’’ |
Weight | N/A |
Eye Colour | Gray |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Early life
Born on May 11, 1918, in Madras, India, Mrinalini Sarabhai grew up in a family dedicated to India’s freedom struggle. She studied in different places, including Switzerland, Shantiniketan and the U.S. Her family’s influence sparked her love for dancing, inspiring her to become a leading figure in traditional Indian dances.
Career
Mrinalini Sarabhai had a remarkable career as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and activist. She danced beautifully in Kathakali and Bharatanatyam styles, both in India and abroad. She also created famous dance shows like “Manushya” and “Ganga,” which talked about important issues. Her work made a big impact on Indian dance and society.
Education
Mrinalini Sarabhai studied at the Dalcroze School in Switzerland and later at Shantiniketan in India. She pursued further education at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in the United States.
Family and Affairs
Mrinalini Sarabhai was born to Subbarama Swaminathan, a lawyer and independence activist, and Ammu Swaminathan, a parliamentarian and social activist. She had two brothers, Govind Swaminadhan and Subbaram, and an elder sister, Lakshmi Sahgal, who was a doctor, politician, and freedom fighter. She married Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned scientist, and they had two children, Kartikeya and Mallika.
Appearance
Mrinalini Sarabhai was about 5 feet 4 inches tall with gray eyes and black hair. She had a graceful presence that reflected her expertise as a classical dancer.
Achievements
Mrinalini Sarabhai was honored with prestigious awards for her contributions to dance and culture. She received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri from the Indian government, along with international recognition like the University of East Anglia’s Doctor of Letters degree. She also earned accolades from organizations like the French association Archives Internationales de la Danse and the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Additionally, she inspired future generations with the establishment of the Mrinalini Sarabhai Award for Classical Excellence and was the subject of a documentary, “Mrinalini Sarabhai: The Artist and Her Art.” She received the Nishagandhi Puraskaram from the Kerala government and the Dhirubhai Thakar Savyasachi Saraswat Award. Google honored her centennial birthday with a dedicated doodle in 2018.
Money Factor
Net Worth | N/A |
Salary / Income | N/A |
Trivia & Facts
- Mrinalini Sarabhai authored books and articles on dance, mythology, and environmental issues.
- She advocated for social justice and equality, inspired by Gandhi.
If you have any additional information, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
Now, Get your Google presence in the form of Public Biography like the one above! Hurry up! Click here to get Your Biography Published.