Nayana Susheel Jhaveri

🪔 About

Nayana Susheel Jhaveri (1927-1986) was a highly renowned Indian classical dancer, celebrated for her profound contributions to Manipuri dance. Born on June 12, 1927, in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, she embarked on her rigorous training in Manipuri dance in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1945 under the tutelage of Guru Bipin Singh. Her education continued in Manipur, where she further honed her skills under esteemed gurus such as Amobi Singh, Atomba Singh, and Amudon Sharma. Nayana Jhaveri achieved the rare distinction of being a non-Manipuri dancer permitted to perform in the sacred Shri Govindaji temple in Manipur, a testament to her dedication and mastery of the art form. As the eldest of the acclaimed Jhaveri Sisters—Nayana, Ranjana, Suverna, and Darshana—she played a pivotal role in popularizing Manipuri dance globally. The Jhaveri Sisters Classical Manipuri Dance Company, established in 1957 with Nayana as its lead dancer, was instrumental in bringing the devotional temple tradition of Manipuri dance to proscenium stages worldwide. She dedicated her life to preserving and performing the classicism of the traditional Manipuri raslila form, meticulously maintaining and propagating its true devotional essence outside Manipur. Nayana Jhaveri was a pioneer in presenting Manipuri dance dramas and, along with her sisters and gurus, significantly contributed to the dance form's evolution and accessibility. She actively promoted Manipuri dance through extensive performances, insightful lectures, and scholarly writings. To further her teaching legacy, she co-founded Manipuri Nartanalaya in Mumbai in 1972, an institution dedicated to training, performance, and preservation, which later expanded with branches in Kolkata and Imphal. Her husband, Sushil Jhaveri, managed the ensemble, supporting their artistic endeavors. For her eminence and significant contributions to the enrichment of Manipuri Dance, Nayana Susheel Jhaveri was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1977. Her work laid a strong foundation for future generations of Manipuri dancers, solidifying her status as a legend in Indian classical dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977).