Amala Devi

🪔 About

Amala Shankar, born Amala Nandy on June 27, 1919, in Batajor Village, Jessore, undivided Bengal (now Bangladesh), was a legendary Indian dancer, choreographer, and actress renowned for her pivotal role in popularizing a unique synthesis of Indian classical and folk dance forms on global stages. Her artistic journey began at age eleven when she met the pioneering dancer Uday Shankar in Paris during the International Colonial Exhibition in 1931, subsequently joining his esteemed dance troupe. Their professional and personal partnership blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1942. Amala Shankar underwent rigorous training at the Uday Shankar India Culture Centre in Almora, established in 1938. Here, she received comprehensive instruction in diverse classical styles, including Manipuri from Amoubi Singh, Kathakali from Shankaran Nambudiripad, and Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Kandappa Pillai. This eclectic training allowed her to become proficient in Indian classical dance and classical ballet. Amala Shankar was instrumental in shaping Uday Shankar's innovative dance philosophy, characterized by expressive minimalism, precision, and grace. She was the lead actress in the seminal 1948 dance film "Kalpana," where her performances, including Bharatanatyam-inspired Tandav nritya, garnered significant acclaim. Following Uday Shankar's vision, she established the Uday Shankar India Culture Centre in Kolkata and later directed the Kala Kendra dance institution from 1965, dedicating over five decades to teaching and mentoring. Her profound influence extended to generations of dancers across India and Bangladesh. Amala Shankar remained active in her art well into her nineties, with her last known performance being the role of King Janaka in the dance drama "Sita Swayamvar" at age 92, and also performing in "Missing You" in the same year. Recognized for her immense contributions to Indian arts, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Banga Bibhusan by the West Bengal government in 2011. Amala Shankar passed away on July 24, 2020, in Kolkata, at the age of 101, leaving behind a rich legacy through her children, musician Ananda Shankar and dancer Mamata Shankar, and numerous disciples who continue to propagate her unique dance style. Awards & Honours: Padma Bhushan (1991), Banga Bibhusan (2011).