PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full name: Shovana Traxl Narayan [1] Instagram – Shovana Narayan
Profession(s): Dancer, Former Civil Servant, Writer
Famous Dance Performances: • The Dawn After (Kathak, Spanish Flamenco, and Ballet) (1994) • The Temptation of Vivekananda (1995) • Soliloquy on “Shakuntala (1996) • Satya Ki Khoj (1999) • Yashoda’s Soliloquy (2000)
Famous Books: • Rhythmic Echoes & Reflections: Kathak (1998) • Performing Arts in India: A Policy Perspective (2003) • Indian Theatre and Dance Traditions (2004) • Meandering Pastures of Memories (autobiography) (2007) • Kathak Lok Temples: Traditions and History- in collaboration with Geetika Kalha (2022)
Date of Birth: 2 September 1950 (Saturday)
Age (as of 2023): 73 Years
Birthplace: Calcutta (now Kolkata)
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Delhi
Marriage Date: 4 May 1982
Age: 73 Years
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EDUCATION
College/University: • Delhi University • Miranda House, Delhi • Punjab University • University of Madras
Educational Qualification(s): • B.Sc. Physics (honours) • M.Sc. Physics (1972) • M.Phil in Social Sciences (2002) • M.Phil in Defence & Strategic Studies (2008) [2] The Times of India
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): 5’ 4” (163 cm)
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Husband/Spouse: Dr. Herbert Traxl (Austrian diplomat, former Ambassador to India)
Children: Son – Erwin Ishan Traxl (lawyer)
Parents: Father – K.D. Narayan (civil servant) Mother – Lalita (social activist, politician)
Husband: Dr. Herbert Traxl
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Awards and Achievements: • Padma Shri (1992) • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1999-2000) • Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award (2010) • Women’s International Award (2010) • ISAW Women Achiever Award (2022) • Filmfare Femina ‘Bhojpuri Icon’ Award (2023)
Honours: • D. Litt (h. c.) by Khairagarh University • Delhi Government’s Parishad Samman • Indira Priyadarshini Samman (1996) • Bharat Gaurav Samman (2023) • Agraja: Nari Shakti Samman by Amity University (2023)
OTHER INFORMATION
Dancer: Active since 1970
Civil Servant: Indian Audits & Accounts Service (1976 – 2010)
Address: Shovana Narayan G-9, Pushpanjali Farms, Shahi Road, Bijwasan (near International Airport) Delhi – 110061, India
Hobbies: Dancing, Reading, Listening to music, Walking
Sibling: Sister – Ranjana Narayan (classical singer, lawyer)
Food: Dal Chawal
Film: Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
Book: The Bhagavad Gita
Holiday Destination: Vienna
Instagram: shovanatraxl
Facebook: Shovana Narayan – Asavari Institute for Kathak
Twitter: @NarayanShovana
YouTube: @shovananarayan2852
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Shovana Narayan’s journey into the world of dance began in her infancy, nurtured by the artistic environment crafted by her parents, both accomplished Kathak dancers. They immersed her in a rich tapestry of music, literature, and the chanting of Sanskrit Shlokas, with her mother skillfully playing the esraj and her father enchanting listeners with the flute. This early exposure laid the foundation for Shovana’s deep connection to the performing arts, particularly Kathak, which would define her life’s path.
In 1964, Shovana’s dedication to her craft intensified as she embarked on a rigorous eight-year training regimen under the legendary Kathak maestro, the late Pandit Birju Maharaj. His commitment to her artistic growth was remarkable; he visited her home daily, offering lessons without any financial charge. These sessions were no mere pastime; they demanded considerable discipline, with Shovana practicing for four hours each evening during the week and devoting entire days to dance on holidays. This immersive training not only honed her skills but also developed a bond of trust, as Pandit Birju Maharaj would even perform her makeup before stage appearances. Such was her commitment that she once sought special permission from the authorities at Miranda College just to have her guru enter the women’s hostel for this purpose.
Shovana Narayan has become a prominent figure in Kathak, celebrated for her innovative approach that intertwines classical dance with themes of social relevance, environmental issues, and women’s empowerment. Her creative expressions have led to powerful performances, such as her portrayal of Indian freedom fighter Begum Hazrat Mahal during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2022. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a brain stroke that compromised her vision and ongoing medical issues, Shovana remains fiercely passionate about her art. In interviews, she has articulated how Kathak serves as a source of strength, resilience, and meditation, allowing her to confront life’s adversities with a courageous spirit.
In addition to her illustrious career as a dancer, Shovana Narayan is a prolific writer and researcher, with numerous publications to her name, including the influential book “Kathak Lok: Temples, Traditions & History.” This work has recently inspired a dance film, “Kathak Log of Kathak Villages – A Living Brahmanical Tradition of Kanta Sammit Updesh.” Her artistic explorations also extend to the realm of documentary filmmaking, as evidenced by her lead role in “Akbar’s Bridge” (1996) and features in other documentaries like “Born to Dance” (2016) and “Das Geheimnis des Indisches Tanzhave” (1987). Shovana’s organizational prowess shines through her creation of festivals such as “Rhythm & Joy” and “Lalit Arpan,” which promote Kathak across the nation.
Furthermore, Shovana Narayan has made remarkable strides in the evolution of Kathak by reviving the soliloquy tradition and integrating diverse dance forms, such as Spanish Flamenco, Western classical ballet, and American tap dance into her choreography. Her trailblazing spirit is exemplified by her introduction of lighting techniques that enhance the intricacies of Kathak footwork, as showcased in her choreography “Dhwani-Pratidhwani.” Beyond her artistic pursuits, Shovana is deeply committed to social causes, participating in fundraising efforts for victims of natural disasters and conflicts, and championing environmental initiatives through her association with “The Climate Reality Project India.” In her multifaceted career, she embodies the essence of a true cultural ambassador, advocating for the arts while inspiring a new generation of dancers.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.