Shobha Naidu

Sobha Naidu (1956 – 14 October 2020) was among the foremost Kuchipudi dancers of India and a disciple of the renowned master Vempati Chinna Satyam. She mastered the technique of Kuchipudi and began dancing lead roles in dance-dramas while still very young. She performed with her guru's troupe all over the country and abroad, excelling in the roles of Satyabhama and Padmavati. She was also an excellent solo dancer. Principal of Kuchipudi Art Academy, Hyderabad, Sobha Naidu imparted training to younger students over the past few years.[1] In 2010, the school celebrated the completion of 30 years.[1] She also choreographed several dance-dramas. She received the title of Nritya Choodamani from Krishna Gana Sabha, Madras.

Sobha Naidu
Born1956 (1956)
Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh
Died14 October 2020(2020-10-14) (aged 63–64)
Hyderabad
OccupationClassical Indian dancer
AwardsPadma Shri (2001)
Websitesobhanaidu.org

Early life

Sobha Naidu was born in Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh state in 1956.[2] She earned a degree from Queen Mary's college.[3]

Regardless of family opposition, her mother Sarojini Devi had her tutored by P.L. Reddy at Rajamahendravaram. After which she trained under the legendary Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam.[3] She was an outstanding student of Vempati.[2]

Awards and achievements

With 12 years of rigorous sadhana, some of her best roles are her portraits of Sathyabhama, Padmavathi and Chandalika. She choreographed 80 solo numbers, 15 ballets, and trained over 1,500 students from India and overseas.[4]

Naidu was admired not just in the country, but all over the world. Organized by the TANA, she traveled across the USA to perform. She also represented India in various cultural events in like U.K., U.S.S.R., Syria, Turkey, Hong Kong, Baghdad, Kampuchea, and Bangkok. On behalf of Indian Government, Naidu led a cultural delegation to West Indies, Mexico, Venezuela, Tunis, Cuba followed by a visit to West Asia.[1]

References
  1. "I explained it when I danced it". sobhanaidu.org. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  2. "Shobha Naidu Success Story". mahilalu.com. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  3. "Personalities: Sobha Naidu". Andhra Portal. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  4. "Dancer with a difference". Deccan Herald. 29 April 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  5. "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.