Shovana Narayan

🪔 About

Shovana Narayan, born on September 2, 1950, in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a highly acclaimed Indian Kathak dancer, guru, and choreographer. Her initial training in Kathak began at the tender age of three under Sadhana Bose in Kolkata. She later continued her studies with Guru Kundanlal in Bombay. In 1962, after her family moved to Delhi, she became a dedicated disciple of Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, training under him for 12 years and becoming one of his foremost students. This diverse training allowed her to integrate elements from both the Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas, developing a unique and expressive style. Beyond her illustrious dance career, which commenced professionally in 1970-71, Shovana Narayan also pursued a distinguished parallel career as a civil servant with the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, from which she retired in 2010. She holds a Master's degree in Physics, and two M.Phil degrees in Social Sciences and Defence & Strategic Studies, along with an honorary D.Litt. As a performer, she has mesmerized audiences globally for over five decades, often performing before heads of state. Narayan is renowned for her innovative choreographies that blend traditional Kathak with contemporary themes, addressing social issues like gender equality and environmental conservation, and collaborating with Western classical ballet, flamenco, and tap dancers. She has also served as creative director for significant national and international events. In 1979, Shovana Narayan founded the ASAVARI institution (also known as Asavari School of Dance and Music or Asavari Centre for Kathak) in New Delhi, with its origins tracing back to 1973. Through Asavari, she imparts training in Kathak, vocal, and instrumental music, emphasizing the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara. Her teaching legacy includes nurturing numerous young talents, with many of her disciples becoming acclaimed dancers. She is also noted for providing free training to over 50 underprivileged students annually for several decades. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (1992), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2001), Delhi Govt's Sahitya Kala Parishad's 'Parishad Samman' (1993), Bihar Govt's 'Rashtriya Samman' Award (2021), Bihar Gaurav Award (1987), Priyadarshini Award (1989), OISCA Award (Japan) (1990), Rajiv Gandhi Award for Excellence (1992), Rajdhani Ratna Award (1992), Mahila Shringar Shiromani Award (1992), Rotary International Vocational Award (1992), Rajiv Smriti Puraskar (1993), Dadabhai Naoroji Award (1993), National Integration award (1993), Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Samman (1996).