Mumbai, May 10: Mrinalini Sarabhai is a revered name in the realm of Indian classical dance. She played a pivotal role in giving new recognition to dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, while also promoting Indian culture on global platforms.
From a young age, she began exploring various dance styles. Few know that she learned the rare Dalcroze technique of Western dance during her childhood. At that time, such foreign dance education was considered quite rare for Indian artists.
Born on May 11, 1918, in Kerala, Mrinalini was the daughter of S. Swaminathan, a prominent lawyer at the Madras High Court, and Ammu Swaminathan, a well-known social worker and freedom fighter. She grew up in an environment that highly valued education, art, and national service. Her elder sister, Lakshmi Sahgal, was also a key member of the Azad Hind Fauj.
Mrinalini spent her childhood in Switzerland, where she first gained a close understanding of the dance world. There, she learned the Dalcroze technique, a unique method for understanding Western dance and body rhythm. At that time, very few Indian artists had the opportunity to learn such foreign art forms. This technique helped her better interpret every subtle expression on stage, giving her dance a distinct energy and expression.
Later, she studied at Shantiniketan under Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, which further deepened her inclination towards Indian classical dance. She also traveled to the United States, where she trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Despite her education abroad, her heart remained rooted in Indian culture and classical dance.
Upon returning to India, she trained in Bharatanatyam under Guru Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai and learned Kathakali from Guru Kunchu Kurup. She continually sought to understand new styles and expressions of dance, gradually becoming one of the country’s leading classical dancers.
In 1942, Mrinalini married the renowned scientist Vikram Sarabhai. Their daughter, Mallika Sarabhai, also made a significant name in the world of dance and theater.
In 1948, Mrinalini founded the Darpan Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad. Through this institution, she educated thousands of students in Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, music, drama, and puppetry. It is said that she trained over 18,000 students during her lifetime and created more than 300 dance dramas, spreading Indian culture worldwide.
Mrinalini was not just a dancer; she was also a writer and social activist. She authored several books, poems, and children’s stories. For her contributions to Indian art, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1965 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992, among other prestigious accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.
Mrinalini Sarabhai passed away on January 21, 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of dance and culture.
Leave a Comment