22 Carat Dancer
Sonal Mansingh who turned 75
has proved her grandfather, who
called her Sona, right
She just entered 75th year (April 30) of her life on this planet. She
has spent over 60 years dancing, 50 years being a star performer,
40-plus years running an institution and trained hundreds of stu-
dents in the past four decades. And yet, Sonal sits calmly as if all
those years and work are just a wisp of scented breeze.
Her grandfather called her Sona to symbolise gold. He also
happened to be Governor (Bombay, Mysore) and Bangalore Raj
Bhawan remained one of her childhood addresses.
After being trained by assorted teachers in Bharatanatyam, it was
decided that the Governor’s granddaughter be taught by U.S.
Krishna Rao and wife Chandrabhaga. But they were not impressed
by the trappings of Raj Bhavan. “I will not come there to teach, like
other students she will come to my school Maha Maya,” thundered
the over 6 ft, broad shouldered, chemistry teacher-turned-dancer,
whose best friend was the iconic Ram Gopal.
Spunk And Substance
She is the only Delhi dance diva who combined spunk with
substance. Her word was valued. Ministers and babus quiv-
ered in front of her righteous stands and fights for justice
in the system. Appointed chairman of Central Sangeet-
NatakAkademi by President Kalam, she tried to clean the
stables but Delhi politics and operators created obstacles.
Did they succeed? Marginally, momentarily, but they could
not destroy the shakti in her. The fighter in her rose again
and deviKamakhya became her refuge, guide and support.
Her institution has come up brick by brick, rupee by rupee.
Today in its 42nd year, it’s a grand edifice.
Last fortnight, her students assembled at Delhi’s Kamani auditori-
um with cake and all, showed how she is an influence on many.
When a peacock decides to stand and dance and spread
its wings, the whole world stops to watch. What an oeuvre,
what a life! Like no other.
Ashish Mohan Khokar MAY 17, 2018 | The Hindu
APRIL 2018 |
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