1
Followers
About
Leela Desai, also known as Lila Desai, was a prominent Indian actress and dancer active during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Newark, New Jersey, while her parents were on an American tour, she was brought to India as an infant and subsequently grew up there. Her father, Umedram Lalbhai Desai, was a Gujarati doctor, and her mother, Satyabala Devi, was a…
Journey Timeline
1930s-1940s
Active as an Indian actress and dancer
Born in Newark, New Jersey — During her parents' American tour
Trained in classical Hindustani dancing (Kathak) — Under gurus Amaladevi, Sohanlal, Lacchumaharaj, and Shambhu Maharaj
Studied music — At Marris College of Music, Lucknow (now Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya)
1937
Film debut in "President" — Performed a Manipuri dance sequence, the first time this form was filmed
1946
Choreographer for "Dev Kanya"
1961
Associate producer for "Kabuliwala"
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
Awards and honours will be listed here.
Media Coverage
- Leela Desai - Wikipedia
Wikipedia
- Leela Desai - IndiaNetzone
IndiaNetzone
Dance School
No school linked yet.
Students
No students linked yet.
Testimonials
Student & peer testimonials will appear here.
Upcoming Workshops
No workshops scheduled yet.
Compiled from public sources and/or self-reported by the artist — not independently verified by NatyaNetwork. Is this you? Claim this profile to manage or correct it. See our Terms.