# Mallika Sarabhai

> activist and Indian classical dancer from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

**Wikidata**: [Q3518417](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3518417)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallika_Sarabhai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mallika-sarabhai

## Summary
Mallika Sarabhai is an Indian classical dancer, choreographer, actress, and human rights activist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She is known for her contributions to contemporary dance, theatre, and social advocacy, particularly through her work in using the arts as a medium for raising awareness on issues such as gender equality, communal harmony, and environmental sustainability.

## Biography
- Born: May 9, 1954, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Education:
  - Trained in classical Indian dance forms, particularly Bharatanatyam and Kathak
  - Educated at Gujarat University and Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Known for: Pioneering the use of dance and theatre for social activism and raising awareness on human rights and gender issues
- Employer(s):
  - Founder, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad
  - Actor and director in Indian cinema and theatre
- Field(s): Dance, theatre, activism, film direction, human rights advocacy

## Contributions
Mallika Sarabhai has made significant contributions across multiple domains:

- **Darpana Academy of Performing Arts**: Founded in Ahmedabad, this institution promotes traditional and contemporary Indian dance and theatre. It has become a hub for artistic and cultural education and social engagement.
- **Theatre and Film**: Sarabhai has directed and performed in numerous socio-political theatre productions, including "Uns Vidha Mannu", "Kanyadan", and "Light of Asia". These works often address issues like gender discrimination, communalism, and environmental degradation.
- **Dance as Activism**: Through performances such as "Sita", "Draupadi", and "The Trial", she has used classical dance forms to challenge societal norms and advocate for women's rights and justice.
- **Human Rights Advocacy**: Sarabhai has been instrumental in using the performing arts to highlight social issues, particularly those affecting women and marginalized communities.
- **Publications**: She has authored several books, including "Dance as a Weapon" and "When the Books Bit Back", which explore the intersection of art and activism.
- **Documentary and Film Work**: She has directed and acted in films that address social issues, including "The Woman Who Fought an Empire", a documentary on her mother Mrinalini Sarabhai, and "68 Pages", which critiques censorship in India.

## FAQs
### What is Mallika Sarabhai known for?
Mallika Sarabhai is known for her work as a classical dancer, choreographer, and social activist. She has used dance and theatre to advocate for human rights, gender equality, and environmental justice.

### Where has Mallika Sarabhai worked?
She has worked primarily in Ahmedabad, founding the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, and has performed and directed numerous socio-political theatre productions. She has also been involved in Indian cinema and television.

### What are some of Mall.ika Sarabhai's notable works?
Notable works include her performances in "Sita", "Draupadi", and "The Trial", as well as her directorial efforts in "68 Pages" and "The Woman Who Fought an Empire".

### What awards has Mallika Sarabhai received?
She has been honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Padma Bhushan (India's third-highest civilian award), the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from France, and the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum.

### What is the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts?
The Darpana Academy of Performing Arts is an institution founded by Mallika Sarabhai in Ahmedabad that focuses on training in dance, theatre, and music, while also promoting social awareness through the arts.

### Has Mallika Sarabhai worked in film or television?
Yes, she has acted in and directed several films and documentaries, including "68 Pages" and "The Woman Who Fought an Empire", and has been involved in Indian television through various roles.

### What are Mallika Sarabhai's contributions to activism?
She has used dance and theatre to raise awareness on social issues such as gender discrimination, communalism, and environmental degradation. Her performances often carry strong socio-political messages.

### What books has Mallika Sarabhai written?
She has authored books such as "Dance as a Weapon" and "When the Books Bit Back", which reflect on the role of art in social change.

## Why They Matter
Mallika Sarabhai has redefined the role of art in social advocacy by using dance and theatre as tools for raising awareness and inspiring change. Her work has influenced the Indian cultural landscape by demonstrating how traditional art forms can be repurposed to address contemporary issues. She has inspired a generation of artists to view their craft as a medium for social commentary. Her efforts have not only elevated the discourse around women's rights and justice but also established a model for artist-activists in India and beyond. Without her contributions, the intersection of art and activism in India might not have gained such visibility or institutional support.

## Notable For
- Founding the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts
- Pioneering the use of dance and theatre for social activism
- Receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Being awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award
- Winning the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum
- Directing and acting in socio-political theatre and film
- Authoring books like "Dance as a Weapon" and "When the Books Bit Back"
- Advocating for gender equality, human rights, and environmental justice through the arts

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mallika Sarabhai was born on May 9, 1954, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She received training in classical Indian dance forms, particularly Bharatanatyam and Kathak, under the guidance of her mother, the renowned danseuse Mrinalini Sarabhai. She pursued higher education at Gujarat University and later at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, blending her artistic background with strategic management insights.

### Career
Mallika Sarabhai's career spans multiple domains, including dance, theatre, film, and activism. She is the founder of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, which has become a significant institution for promoting traditional and contemporary Indian performing arts. Through this platform, she has created a space where art meets activism, addressing issues like gender inequality, communal disharmony, and environmental degradation.

### Art and Performance
She has performed and directed numerous productions that combine classical Indian dance with contemporary social messages. Notable performances include "Sita", "Draupadi", and "The Trial", which have been instrumental in challenging societal norms. Her choreographic works often reflect her commitment to social justice, using the stage as a medium for change.

### Film and Theatre
Mallika Sarabhai has directed and acted in several films and documentaries, including "68 Pages", a critique of censorship in India, and "The Woman Who Fought an Empire", a tribute to her mother. Her work in Indian cinema and theatre has been marked by a consistent effort to merge art with activism.

### Human Rights and Social Advocacy
She has used her artistic platform to advocate for human rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Her performances and writings challenge the status quo and inspire audiences to think critically about societal issues.

### Publications
Mallika Sarabhai has authored several books, including "Dance as a Weapon" and "When the Books Bit Back". These works explore the role of art in social change and highlight the power of expression in activism.

### Awards and Recognition
She has received numerous accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Padma Bhushan, the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from France, and the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum. These awards recognize her contributions to dance, theatre, and activism.

### Legacy
Mallika Sarabhai's legacy lies in her ability to merge art with activism, using dance and theatre as tools for social change. Her work has inspired many and established a new paradigm for artists to engage with societal issues. Her influence extends beyond the stage, shaping conversations around gender, justice, and human rights in India and beyond.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.webindia123.com/dances/dancer/Mallika_Sarabhai.htm)
2. IMDb
3. [Source](http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-dance/dancers/mallika-sarabhai.html)
4. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mallika-Sarabhai)
5. [Source](http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others//articleshow/50674594.cms)
6. [Source](http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/in-conversation-dancer-mallika-sarabhai)
7. [Source](http://dances.indobase.com/dancers/mallika-sarabhai.html)
8. general catalog of BnF
9. CiNii Research
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. The Movie Database
12. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File