Mrinalini Sarabhai Biography

Mrinalini Sarabhai, formerly known as Mrinalini Swaminathan, was a multifaceted individual renowned for her contributions to dance, choreography, teaching, writing, and activism. Notably, she made history as the first female dancer of Kathakali, a traditional dance form.

Mrinalini Sarabhai Age, Death, Husband, Children, Family, Biography & More

Throughout her illustrious career, Sarabhai dedicated herself to preserving South Indian classical dance forms, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Born on May 11, 1918, her legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers and artists around the world.

Early Life

Mrinalini Sarabhai was born into a distinguished family, with her mother, Ammu Swaminathan, and father, Subbarama Swaminathan, deeply involved in India’s independence movement. Raised alongside two brothers, Govind Swaminathan and Subbaram, and an elder sister, Lakshmi Sahgal, who later became a renowned doctor, politician, and Commander-in-chief of the Azad Hind Fauj’s ‘Rani of Jhansi Regiment’. Sarabhai’s upbringing was steeped in activism and social consciousness.

Education

Mrinalini Sarabhai hailed from Ahmedabad, India, holding Indian nationality. She received her early education at Dalcroze School in Switzerland during the 1930s and later attended Shantiniketan in West Bengal. Subsequently, she pursued her higher education at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in the United States. Sarabhai belonged to the Tamil Brahmin caste.

Age

Mrinalini Sarabhai was born on May 11, 1918, in Madras, Madras Presidency, British India (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) or according to another source, in Madras Presidency, British India (now Kerala, India). At the time of her death, she was 97 years old, born under the zodiac sign of Taurus.

Physical Stats

Mrinalini Sarabhai stands at approximately 163 cm (5 feet 4 inches) tall. She has striking gray eyes and black hair.

Husband and Children

Mrinalini Sarabhai was married to Vikram Sarabhai since the year 1942. Together, they shared a son named Kartikeya Sarabhai, who is known for his contributions as an environmentalist and educationalist, and a daughter named Mallika Sarabhai.

Family

Mrinalini Sarabhai was born to notable parents who played significant roles in India’s independence movement. Her mother, Ammu Swaminathan, was a prominent parliamentarian, social activist, and Indian independence activist. Her father, Subbarama Swaminathan, was a criminal lawyer and also an activist for Indian independence. Mrinalini had two brothers: Govind Swaminadhan, who was a lawyer, and Subbaram, whose details are not provided. Additionally, her elder sister, Lakshmi Sahgal, was a doctor, politician, and served as the Commander-in-chief of the Azad Hind Fauj’s ‘Rani of Jhansi Regiment’.

Mrinalini Sarabhai with her Mother and Sister

Mrinalini Sarabhai Brother Govind Swaminathan

Mrinalini Sarabhai Sister Lakshmi Sahgal

Mrinalini Sarabhai with her Husband Vikram Sarabhai

Mrinalini Sarabhai Son Kartikeya Sarabhai

Mrinalini Sarabhai with her Daughter Mallika Sarabhai

Death

Hospitalized on January 20, 2016, she passed away the following day at 97 years old.

Career

Mrinalini Sarabhai’s career spanned multifaceted roles as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer, and activist. Notably, she made history as the first female dancer of Kathakali, a traditional dance form. Throughout her illustrious career, Sarabhai dedicated herself to preserving South Indian classical dance forms, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

She founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, where she nurtured and trained numerous dancers and artists. An advocate for social causes, Sarabhai utilized dance as a medium for raising awareness and promoting social change. Her contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, underscoring her lasting impact on the world of dance and activism.

Film List

• Manushya: (1958)
• Shakuntala: (1971)
• Chandalika: (1977)
• Ganga: (1985)

Award List

• Vishwa Gurjari award (1984)
• Veer Shrinkala
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1994)
• Padma Shri (1965)
• Padma Bhushan (1992)
• Nishagandhi Puraskaram (2013)
• Natya Kala Sikhamani (1960)
• Honoured with the Scroll of Honour by the Vice-President of India (1995)
• Gujarat’s first state award for dance (1969)
• Gold Medal by Mexican Government (1968)

Not Worth

Mrinalini Sarabhai’s net worth is not known.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Mrinalini Sarabhai

• Trained by Guru Kunchu Kurup in Kathakali and by Meenakshisundaram Pillai in Bharatanatyam, Sarabhai excelled under their guidance.
• She contributed to the global dance community by serving as a nominated member of the Executive Council of the International Dance Council in 1990.
• Sarabhai received training in sound processing from the United States, enhancing her skills and knowledge.
• Sarabhai ardently supported Gandhian principles and was actively involved with the Sarvodaya International Trust as a trustee.
• Recognized internationally, she became the first Indian to be honored with a diploma and medal from the French Archives Internationales de la Danse in 1994.
• Mrinalini Sarabhai achieved the esteemed title of Veera Sringhala, making her the first and only woman to receive this honor in the Kathakali category.
• In 2013, she was bestowed with the Kerala government’s inaugural state award for dance, the Nishagandhi Puraskaram.
• Holding the Chairperson position at the Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD), she played a pivotal role in its activities.
• Her legacy transcended into modern media with Regina Cassandra portraying her character in the 2022 web series ‘Rocket Science.’
• Her daughter, Mallika Sarabhai, co-directed a documentary in 2012 titled ‘The Artist and Her Art,’ depicting her remarkable life journey.
• Beyond dance, she displayed her literary prowess through columns, books, and blogs, delving into subjects such as dance experiences, mythology, and the environment, including writings on the correspondence between Sarojini Naidu and Mahatma Gandhi.
• As an environmentalist, she created and choreographed numerous dance performances addressing environmental issues, including ‘Aspirations,’ which highlighted the destruction of Kerala’s Silent Valley Rainforests.
• An advocate for handloom and handicrafts, she served as Chairperson for the Gujarat State Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation.
• Additionally, she penned her autobiography, ‘Mrinalini Sarabhai: The Voice of the Heart,’ offering insights into her life and experiences.

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