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About
Shanta Rao (c. 1925 – December 28, 2007) was a pioneering Indian classical dancer born in Bombay (now Mumbai) to Saraswat Brahmins. She passed away at the age of 81 in her home in Malleswaram, Bangalore. Rao was instrumental in the renaissance of classical dance in India, known for her powerful and dynamic stage presence. Her extensive training began in…
Journey Timeline
c. 1925
Born in Bombay
1939
Began Kathakali training — First female student at Kerala Kalamandalam to study Kathakali under P. Ramunni Menon.
1940
Kathakali debut — Debut performance in Thrissur.
1940s
Studied Kandyan dances — Learned in Sri Lanka from Gunaya.
1942
Bharatanatyam debut — Debut performance in the Music Academy of Madras.
1965
Presented Bhama Nrityam — Her self-formulated classical dance form, presented in Bombay.
1970
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
1971
Received Padma Shri
1993-94
Received Kalidas Samman
1997
Last known performance — At Sangeet Natak Akademi's Swarna Jayanti Mahotsava in Delhi.
2007
Passed away — Died on December 28 in Bangalore.
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1970 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1971 · Padma Shri — Government of India
- Kalidas Samman for Classical Dance — Government of Madhya Pradesh
- Shantala Award — Government of Karnataka
Media Coverage
- A perfect stillness: the art of Shanta Rao
India Seminar
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