Shovana Narayan – Famous Kathak dancer and guru

Shovana Narayan is an acclaimed Kathak dancer, choreographer and performer who is a recipient of numerous honours including Padma Shri in 1992, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 1999, National Integration Award etc. She is a disciple of Birju Maharaj, and has created a niche of her own in the field of Kathak art form. She is also known for promoting Kathak in different countries, and has also researched and discovered 8 Kathak villages near Gaya with the help of official records. She has also worked with western artists for fusion forms such as Western Classical Ballet, Spanish Flamenco etc.

Shovana was born in Kolkata in 1949. She was introduced to the world of Kathak at the age of three by Bollywood actress and dancer Sadhana Bose. The following year she gave her first performance. Now she is a well-known Kathak teacher who has taught numerous students. She has choreographed many works including Kadambari: The Poet’s Muse in 2012, and is best known for promoting Indian dance forms in foreign countries.

Shovana Narayan – Some interesting facts

1. She was introduced to the world of Kathak by well-known dancer and actress Sadhana Bose, and Shovana remained one of her disciples. She has also learnt from many gurus.

2. She has researched and wrote more than 10 books on the subject of classical dances.

3. Her husband Dr. Herbert Traxl is a diplomat who has served as Austrian Ambassador to India. They got married when he was deputy ambassador, and later he became no: 1 in India.

4. In 1971 she earned recognition as the youngest classical dancer in the country.

5. She retired from civil service in 2010 as Indian Audits & Accounts Service officer.

6. In 2010 she gave performances in the opening and closing ceremony of Commonwealth Games held at Delhi.