1
Followers
About
Lakshmi Shankar (née Shastri, 1926 – 2013) was an Indian artist whose career began as a Bharatanatyam dancer before she became a celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist. Born in Madras (now Chennai) in 1926, she commenced her Bharatanatyam training at the age of eight under Guru Kandappa Pillai in Chennai. She had her arangetram (debut performance) at the…
Journey Timeline
1926
Born in Madras (now Chennai)
Age 8
Began Bharatanatyam training — Under Guru Kandappa Pillai in Chennai.
1937
Bharatanatyam Arangetram — Debut performance at age 11.
1939
Joined Uday Shankar's India Cultural Center — Became a dancer and staff member at Almora.
Early 1940s
Married Rajendra Shankar — Brother of Uday Shankar and Ravi Shankar.
Mid-1940s
Performed in 'Discovery of India' ballet
Undated
Forced to give up dancing due to illness
1957
Hindustani vocal music debut — First public concert in Mumbai.
1962-1963
First international performance as a vocalist — Toured the US, Canada, and Europe with Uday Shankar.
1974
Toured with Ravi Shankar and George Harrison — Performed in Europe and North America as part of Ravi Shankar's Music Festival from India.
1983
Moved to Los Angeles — After her husband's death in 1982.
1989
Vocalist for the film 'Gandhi' — Sang 'Vaishnava Janato' and 'Raghupati Raghava' in the Oscar-winning film.
1997
Received Master Musician Fellowship Award
2008
Grammy nominee for 'Dancing in the Light' — Nominated for Best Traditional World Music Album.
2013
Passed away in California — Died on December 30, 2013, in Simi Valley, California.
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
- 1997 · Master Musician Fellowship Award — The Durfee Foundation
- 2008 · Grammy Nomination (Best Traditional World Music Album) — Grammy Awards
Media Coverage
Press features and interviews will appear here.
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.