Shobana is a leading exponent of Bharatanatyam dance and a renowned South Indian film actress. She was born in a Malayalam speaking family from Kerala, India, and received dance lessons from legendary Bharatanatyam dancers Chitra Visweswaran and Padma Subramaniam. Shobana is an innovative choreographer and has crafted a wide range of traditional and contemporary compositions. She is a devoted teacher and established Kalarpana, a dance school in Chennai in 1994. From modest beginnings, Kalarpana is now an established institution and has benefited many students, many of whom are girls from less-privileged back-grounds.
Shobana, the actress, has starred in over 225 films across all four major South Indian languages including performances under the distinguished direction of renowned filmmakers like ManiRatnam & K. Balachandar.
Awards & AccoladesPadmashree 2006 (Govt. of India)
National Award for Best Actress 2002 Film: Mitr - My friend
Bharat Kalaratna 1996 (Bharathalaya, Chennai)
National Award for Best Actress 1994 Film: Manichitrathazhu
Natya Jyothi 1994 (Indian Fine Arts Centre, Australia)