Sobha Naidu

Sobha Naidu (1956 – 14 October 2020) was among the foremost Kuchipudi dancers of India and a disciple of the renowned master Vempati Chinna Satyam. She mastered the technique of Kuchipudi and began dancing lead roles in dance-dramas at a young age. She performed with her guru's troupe extensively, performing the roles of Satyabhama and Padmavati. Principal of Kuchipudi Art Academy, Hyderabad, Sobha Naidu imparted training to younger students over the past few years.[1] In 2010, the school celebrated the completion of 30 years.[1] She also choreographed several dance-dramas. She received the title of Nritya Choodamani from Krishna Gana Sabha, Madras. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991 and the Padma Shri award by the Government of India in 2001.[2]

Sobha Naidu
Born1956 (1956)
Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh
Died14 October 2020(2020-10-14) (aged 63–64)
Hyderabad
OccupationClassical Indian dancer
AwardsPadma Shri (2001)
Websitesobhanaidu.org

Early life

Sobha Naidu was born in Anakapalle, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh state in 1956.[3] She earned a degree from Queen Mary's college.[4]

Regardless of family opposition, her mother Sarojini Devi had her tutored by P.L. Reddy at Rajamahendravaram. After which she trained under the legendary Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam.[4] She was an outstanding student of Vempati.[3] Eminent Carnatic violinist Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu is a relative of her.[5]

Awards and achievements

With twelve years of rigorous practice, some of her best roles are her portraits of Sathyabhama, Padmavathi and Chandalika. She choreographed eighty solo numbers, fifteen ballets, and trained over 1500 students from India and overseas.[6]

Naidu was admired not just in the country, but all over the world. Organized by the TANA, she traveled across the US to perform. She also represented India in various cultural events in like U.K., U.S.S.R., Syria, Turkey, Hong Kong, Baghdad, Kampuchea, and Bangkok. On behalf of the Indian government, Sobha Naidu led a cultural delegation to West Indies, Mexico, Venezuela, Tunis, and Cuba, followed by a visit to West Asia.[1]

References
  1. "I explained it when I danced it". sobhanaidu.org. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  2. "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  3. "Shobha Naidu Success Story". mahilalu.com. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  4. "Personalities: Sobha Naidu". Andhra Portal. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  5. "Personalities: Dwaram Venkataswami Naidu". Andhra Cultural Portal. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  6. "Dancer with a difference". Deccan Herald. 29 April 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
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