Ranjana Jhaveri

🪔 About

Ranjana Jhaveri was a renowned Indian classical dancer, celebrated for her contributions to Manipuri dance. Born into a Gujarati family in Mumbai, she was the second eldest of the four illustrious Jhaveri Sisters—Nayana, Ranjana, Suvarna, and Darshana—who collectively played a pivotal role in popularizing Manipuri dance globally. Her journey in dance began in the early 1940s in Mumbai, where she, along with her sisters, received rigorous training from the legendary Guru Bipin Singh. Their father, Navnitlal Jhaveri, was progressive and encouraged their artistic pursuits at a time when dance was not widely accepted as a profession for educated girls. By 1950, the Jhaveri Sisters began performing as a group, establishing close ties with institutions like Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and the Indian National Theatre (INT) in Mumbai. Ranjana Jhaveri was particularly noted for her graceful dancing and mastery of the *lasya* (feminine, lyrical) aspects of Manipuri dance. She frequently portrayed the character of Radha in Guru Bipin Singh's choreographic works and was acclaimed for her solo performances, such as the *abhisarika nayika*. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she toured extensively across India and internationally with her sisters, representing India in various cultural delegations. Beyond her performing career, Ranjana Jhaveri was instrumental in the academic and preservation efforts of Manipuri dance. She assisted Guru Bipin Singh in his research, meticulously documenting oral traditions and dance compositions. In 1972, she co-founded the Manipuri Nartanalaya with her sisters, Guru Bipin Singh, and Kalavati Devi, establishing centers in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Imphal dedicated to the training, performance, and preservation of Manipuri dance. Ranjana Jhaveri held a B.A. degree and had a deep appreciation for Gujarati literature. She was married to Bhaskarbhai Lakhani, who was a constant source of support for her artistic endeavors. Ranjana Jhaveri passed away in Mumbai on January 17, 2017, at the age of 87. Awards & Honours: Felicitation at Prinsep Ghat Dance Festival (2008).