225
Feature feature films
3000
live performance
600
Students students
160
Class awards
A few notable dance & music collaborations are with below maestros:
- Ustad Zakir Hussain
- Vallayapatty Subramaniam
- Vikku Vinayak Ram
- Dr. Padma Subramaniam
- Dr. Sonal Mansingh
- U. Srinivas
- Ganesh Kumaresh
- Amaan and Ali Bangaash
- Shivamani
- Bickram Ghosh
- Bombay Jayasree
- Abhishek Raghuram
- A R Rahman
- Ranjit Barot
- Taufiq Qureshi
MAJOR HONORS/ TITLES
| Padma Shri | Conferred by the Honorable President of India Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam | 2006 |
| Kalaimamani | Conferred by Government of Tamil Nadu | 2011 |
| Kalaratna | Senior fellowship from Sangeeta Nataka Akademi | 2013 |
| Honorary Doctorate (PHD) | Conferred by The Vinaya Mission University, Salem | 2018 |
| Honorary Doctorate (PHD) | Conferred by Dr. MGR Research University, Chennai | 2018 |
| Honorary Degree D.Litt. | Conferred by Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala | 2021 |
| State Awards | Conferred ‘Kalaratna’ Senior fellowship from Sangeeta Nataka Akademi by the governor Sheila Dikshit- Kerala State | 2013 |
| Conferred ‘Kalaimamani’– Tamil Nadu C.M Karunanidhi | 2011 | |
| Conferred ‘Best Actress’ – Manichitrathazhu – Kerala State | 1993 |
| National Awards | Conferred ‘Best Actress’ by the Honorable President of India Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam | 2002 |
| Conferred ‘Best Actress’ by the Honorable President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma | 1994 |
| International Awards | ‘AMMA Award’ for Excellence – Malaysia | 2002 |
ACHIEVEMENTS IN FILMS
| SIIMA Award – Best Actress | Varane Avasyamundu | 2021 |
| Prem Nazir Award for excellence | Thira | 2013 |
| Best actress – Vanitha | Thira | 2013 |
| Best actress – Jai Hind TV awards | Thira | 2013 |
| Kashmir to Kerala social foundation | Life Time Achievement | 2013 |
| Best Actress Film Fare | Thenmavin Kombathu | 1994 |
| Women of the Year | 1994 | |
| Kumudam lux Award | Manichitra Thazhu | 1994 |
| National Award | Manichitra Thazhu | 1993 |
| Best Actress Kerala State | Manichitra Thazhu | 1993 |
| Nana Popular | 1995 | |
| Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Cinema Malayalee Club | 1995 | |
| Sriram International Excellence | Award in the field of Cinema | 1995 |
| Best Actress Film Fans | Sindhoora Rekha | 1995 |
| Cinema Express | Mazhayethumunbe | 1995 |
| Best Actress Film Fare | Innalae | 1990 |
| Best Actress Film Fare | Ayiram Kanugal | 1986 |
| Best Actress Cinema Express | Rareeram | 1986 |
| Nana Gallipol Best New face Award | April 18 th | 1984 |
| Film Critics Best New Face Award | April 18 th | 1984 |
| Best child Artiste Award | Mangala Nayaki | 1979 (Devar Virudhu) |
‘Winner of TARA RANI the Best Actress Award for the past twenty five years of Malayalam cinema.- Malayalam Manorama.’
AWARDS FOR THE CONTRIBUTION IN VARIOUS ART FORMS
| “Ganasaraswati Mahotsav” | Kishori amonkar | 2017 |
| “Kala Ghoda Fest Mumbai” | Mumbai | 2016 |
| “Global Achievement for performing arts” | AMMA | 2015 |
| “Life Time Achievement Award” | Kartik fine arts | 2015 |
| “Kalaratna” | Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi | 2013 |
| “Bharata Kala Ratna” | Trinity arts festival | 2013 |
| “Nrithya Kala Nipuna” | Mylapore Fine Arts | 2012 |
| “Arch of excellence” | All India achievers conference | 2012 |
| “Kalaimamani” | Govt of Tamil Nadu | 2011 |
| “Nrithya Choodamani” | Sri Krishna Gana Sabha | 2007 |
| “Grade A TOP” | National Doordarsan Kendra | 2000 |
| “Nadana Mamani” | Kartik Fine Arts | 1997 |
| “Bharata Kalaratna” | Bharathalaya | 1996 |
| “Yuva Kala Bharathi” | Bharat Kalachar | 1995 |
| “Natya Jothi” | Indian Fine Arts, Australia | 1994 |
| “Natya Ratna” | Deccan Fine Arts, Secunderabad | 1992 |
PERFORMANCES TO NAME A FEW IN THE FIELD OF DANCE
| Year | Performances |
| 2021 | 75th Independence Day Celebration at Raj Bhavan (in Chennai) |
| 2021 | Celebration of 7th National Handloom Day (in Chennai) |
| 2020 | Khajuraho Dance Festival (in Madhya Pradesh) |
| 2017 | Ganasaraswati Mahotsav ( in Pune) |
| 2016 | Kala Ghoda fest’ (in Mumbai) |
| 2015 | FIPIC – Presence of Prime minister of India Dr Modi. |
| 2014 | Closing ceremony of 45th National Games (in Trivandrum) |
| 2013 | Opening Act in International Film Festival (in Goa) |
| 2013 | Opening Act world Chess championship (in Chennai) |
| 2012 | 100th Year celebrations of Indian cinema (in Chennai) |
| 2012, 2011, 2010 | Times of India All India Circuit |
| 2006 | The Music Academy (in Chennai) |
| 2006 | Musee Gimme, festival of Asian arts (in Paris)- 2006 |
| 2006 | Masters of percussion-‘ Rhythm Sticks festival’ (in London) |
| 2003 | The Cleveland museum festival of Tanjore bronzes (in Cleveland) |
| 1998 | Duet with Oddissi exponent Dr. Sonal Mansingh at the opening of The International Film Festival ( in Delhi) |
| 1999, 2001 , 2003 | The World Music Institute ( in NYC ) |
| 1992-Present | The ‘Soorya festival’ (in Trivandrum ) |
| 1997 | Presented with A.R. Rahaman in Micheal and Friends – (in Germany) |
| 2000, 2002, 2012 | ‘Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav’ presented by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (in Pune) |
| 2000 | Hampi festival’ (in Karnataka) |
Choreography on feature films-
Choreographed and shot classical dance sequences in 4 feature films revolving around the classical art form. Two of them won the national film awards in respective years.
- Dance Like A Man – 2004, directed by Pamela Rooks – National Award
- Manichitrathazhu – 1993, directed by Fazil – National Award for entertainer
- Ravan – 2009, directed by Maniratnam
- Kochadaiyyan – 2012, Rajinikanth starrer directed by Soundarya
An accomplished female Actor-
The realization that working in a film set was a creative and peaceful process, as opposed to a chore, led her to pursue a career of a child actor at the age of nine. She was featured in films Mangala Nayaki, Bhakta Dhruva Markandeya, winning the best child actor award in 1979.
The veteran Tamil film director K.Balachander recognizing her potential, cast her as the female lead in the film ‘Enakkul Oruvan’ opposite Dr. Kamalhaasan.
Shobana simultaneously worked in the Malayalam film ‘April 18’ – The Malayalam film other than being a commercial success brought her recognition for her sensitive portrayal of a young housewife. Her following films were a commercial success and there was no looking back.
She went on to act in 225 feature films in both Commercial and Alternative cinema- 6 Indian Languages, among them the popular ones were
- April 18 – Balachandra Menon
- Kanamarayath – I V Sasi
- Ithiripoove Chuvanna Poove – Bharathan
- Innale – P Padmarajan
- Vasthuhara – G Aravindan
- Anantharam – Adoor Gopalakrishnan
- Yaathra – Balumahendra
- Manichitrathazhu – A M Fazil
- Thenmavin Kombath – Priyadarsan
- Pakshe – Mohan
- Mitr, My Friend – Revathy
- Makalkku – Jayaraj
- Agnisakshi – Shyamaprasad
- Rudraveena – K Balachander
- Apna Asman – Kaushik Roy
- Rowdy Alludu – Raghavendra Rao
- Thalapathi – Mani Ratnam
- Ithu Namma Aalu – K Bhagyaraj
CONTRIBUTION IN THE FIELD OF CINEMA
Language: Malayalam (1994-2013)
| Year | Title |
| 1984 | April 18 |
| 1984 | Kanamarayathu |
| 1984 | Ithiri Poove Chuvanna Poove |
| 1984 | Alakadalinakkare |
| 1985 | Avidathepole Ivideyum |
| 1985 | Vasantha Sena |
| 1985 | Thozhil Allengil Jail |
| 1985 | Akkacheyude Kunjuvava |
| 1985 | Meenamasathile Sooryan |
| 1985 | Azhiyatha Bandhangal |
| 1985 | Eeran Sandhya |
| 1985 | Thammil Thammil |
| 1985 | Anubandham |
| 1985 | Ee Thanalil Ithiri Nerum |
| 1985 | Ee Shabdam Innathe Shabdam |
| 1985 | Ayanam |
| 1985 | Yathra |
| 1985 | Rangam |
| 1985 | Oru Naal Innorunaal |
| 1985 | Upaharam |
| 1986 | Udayam Padinjaru |
| 1986 | T. P. Balagopalan M.A. |
| 1986 | Kunjattakilikal |
| 1986 | Iniyum Kurukshethram |
| 1986 | Aayiram Kannukal |
| 1986 | Ente Entethu Mathrem |
| 1986 | Abhayam Thedi |
| 1986 | Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku |
| 1986 | Aalorungi Arangorungi |
| 1986 | Nyayavidhi |
| 1986 | Ee Kaikalil |
| 1986 | Padayani |
| 1986 | Chilambu |
| 1986 | Rareeram |
| 1986 | Meenamasathile Sooryan |
| 1987 | Vrutham |
| 1987 | Nadodikattu |
| 1987 | Ithrayum Kaalam |
| 1987 | Kalam Mari Katha Mari |
| 1987 | Anantaram |
| 1987 | Naalkavala |
| 1988 | Vicharana |
| 1988 | Vellanakalude Nadu |
| 1988 | Janmandharam |
| 1988 | Aryan |
| 1988 | Aparan |
| 1988 | Dhwani |
| 1988 | Alila Kuruvikal |
| 1988 | Mukthi |
| 1989 | Charithram |
| 1990 | Innale |
| 1990 | Iyer the Great |
| 1990 | Sasneham |
| 1990 | Kalikkalam |
| 1991 | Vasthuhara |
| 1991 | Ulladakkam |
| 1991 | Adayalam |
| 1991 | Kankettu |
| 1992 | Oru Kochu Bhoomikulukkam |
| 1992 | Naaga Panchami |
| 1992 | Pappayude Swantham Appoos |
| 1993 | Maya Mayuram |
| 1993 | Meleparambil Aanveedu |
| 1993 | Manichitrathazhu |
| 1994 | Pavithram |
| 1994 | Commissioner |
| 1994 | Thenmavin Kombathu |
| 1994 | Pakshe |
| 1994 | Minnaram |
| 1994 | Vishnu |
| 1994 | Manathe Vellitheru |
| 1994 | Sindoora Rekha |
| 1995 | Mazhayethum Munpe |
| 1996 | Minnaminuginum Minnukettu |
| 1996 | Kumkumacheppu |
| 1996 | Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum |
| 1996 | Rajaputhran |
| 1996 | Hitler |
| 1996 | Superman |
| 1997 | Kalyana Kacheri |
| 1997 | Kaliyoonjal |
| 1999 | Agni Sakshi |
| 2000 | Sradha |
| 2000 | Valliettan |
| 2004 | Mambazhakkalam |
| 2005 | Makalkku |
| 2009 | Sagar alias Jacky Reloaded |
| 2013 | Thira |
| 2020 | Varane Avasyamundu |
Language: Telugu (1987-2006)
| Year | Title |
| 1987 | Rekha |
| 1958 | Shobha |
| 1974 | Krishnaveni |
| 1976 | Lalitha |
| 1982 | Bhaktha durva markandeya |
| 1986 | Vikram |
| 1986 | Vijrumbhana |
| 1986 | Hechcharika |
| 1986 | Marchandi Mana Chattalu |
| 1986 | Praja Prathinidhi |
| 1987 | Marana Sasanam |
| 1987 | Muvva Gopaludu |
| 1987 | Ajeyudu |
| 1987 | Trimoorthulu |
| 1988 | Rudraveena |
| 1988 | Abhinandana |
| 1988 | Manavadostunnaadu |
| 1989 | Kokila |
| 1990 | Neti Siddhartha |
| 1990 | Agni Sakshi |
| 1990 | Nari Nari Naduma Murari |
| 1991 | Rowdy Alludu |
| 1991 | Rowdy Gaari Pellam |
| 1991 | Appula Appa Rao |
| 1991 | April 1st Vidudhala |
| 1991 | Keechu Raallu |
| 1991 | Alludu Diddina Kapuram |
| 1991 | Minor Raja |
| 1991 | Manchi Roju |
| 1992 | Gangwar |
| 1992 | Hello Darling |
| 1992 | Ahankari |
| 1992 | Asadhyulu |
| 1992 | Champion |
| 1993 | Rendilla Poojari |
| 1993 | Naga Jyoti |
| 1993 | Kannayya Kittayya |
| 1993 | Nippu Ravva |
| 1993 | Nippu Ravva |
| 1993 | Rakshana |
| 1993 | Rowdy Gaari Teacher |
| 1996 | Surya Putrulu |
| 1996 | Paapa Kosam |
| 2006 | Asthram |
| 2006 | Game |
| 2006 | Uma |
Language: Tamil (1996-1980)
| Year | Title |
| 1996 | Thuraimugam |
| 2002 | Mitr, My Friend |
| 2012 | Podaa podi |
| 2014 | Kochadaiyaan |
| 1993 | Sivarathiri |
| 1991 | Thalapathi |
| 1991 | Mahamayi |
| 1990 | Sathya Vaakku |
| 1990 | Mallu Vetti Minor |
| 1990 | Enkitta Mothathe |
| 1989 | Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai |
| 1989 | Ponmana Selvan |
| 1989 | Siva |
| 1989 | Paattukku Oru Thalaiyan |
| 1989 | Sattathin Thirappu Vizhaa |
| 1988 | Idhu Namma Aalu |
| 1988 | Oray Thaai Oray Kulam |
| 1988 | Kaadhal Geetham |
| 1988 | Katha Nayagan |
| 1985 | Marudhani |
| 1984 | Enakkul Oruvan |
| 1980 | Mangala Nayagi |
Language: Kannada (1985-1990)
| Year | Title |
| 1985 | Giri Baale |
| 1990 | Shiva Shankar |
Language: Hindi (2007-2008)
| Year | Title |
| 2007 | Apna Asmaan |
| 2008 | Mera Baap Pehle Aap |
Language: English (2002-2003)
| Year | Title |
| 2002 | Mitr, My Friend |
| 2003 | Dance Like A Man |
WRITTEN, DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED MUSICAL DANCE THEATRE
| Year | Category: Traditional |
| 2018 | BHAV – Tracing the history of performing arts through a musical |
| 2005 | Shyama – A classical dance drama which brings out the social evil of the dowry system largely prevalent in India and the obsession in society for ‘fair skinned brides’ |
| 2004 | Nayika – featuring works of contemporary poets like Javed Akhtar, Dr. Hrudaya, and Kavalam Narayana Panikker on woman’s emancipation through arts. |
| 2003 | Sampradaya – Myth to Modernity |
| 2002 | Sur Taal Srinagar – Bharatanatyam to Hindustani Music |
| 1999 | Nrithyollasa – repertoire based on the Joy of Dance |
| 2000 | Navarasa – Dance Choreography to the violin concert of Sri Ganesh Kumaresh. Featured in the shows were Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ghatam maestro Vikku Vinayak Ram and Taufeeq Qureshi. |
| 1997 | Naadhamum Natyamum – visualizing Thavil maestro Vallayapatty Subramanian’s rhythm – much sought after program for its visual aesthetics and electrifying pure rhythm patterns in Bharatanatyam |
| Year | Category: Contemporary |
| 2006 | Maya Ravan – 50 live shows worldwide |
| 2011 | Krishna – 100+ live shows across the globe |
| 2016 | Trance – 49 Live shows |
| Year | Category: Indian Feature Film |
| 2003 | Dance like a man – directed by Pamela Rooks
(Winner of the national film award for the best feature film) |
| 1993 | Manichitra Thazhu – directed by Fazil (Winner of the national film award for wholesome entertainment ) |
| 2010 | Ravan – directed by Maniratnam |
| 2012 | Kochadiiyyan – Rajinikanth starrer directed by Soundarya. |
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SOCIETY
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Sold out performances at…
- The World Music Institute, NYC – 1999, 2001, 2003
- The Cleveland Museum Festival of Tanjore Bronzes – 2003
- Musee Gimme in Paris, Festival of Asian Arts – 2006
- Masters of Percussion – ‘Rhythm Sticks festival’ – Royal Elizabeth Hall-2006
- Presented with A.R.Rahman in ‘Michael and Friends’ – A charity concert held in Munich Germany 1997- with Michael Jackson
- The production KRISHNA has toured and been presented in 102 cities, 50 of which have been to the international community
- The production MAYA RAVAN has been performed in 25 cities globally
- The production TRANCE (Present) has completed 40 cities in the United States of America 2018
- Presently on the board of KERALA GOVT. for the service of the International Community in Arts
BETTERMENT OF NATURE / HUMAN RACE
- Trance – Dancing Drums is a production acclaimed by audience and critics alike. It is now being commended for its subtle message of peace and togetherness of the global community at large
- It draws parallels between different religions to say that all cultures predominantly advocate one and the same message – PEACE
- The production has drawn rave reviews from ALL communities for its message of peace and harmony cloaked in an entertaining presentation
- The vivid colors and histrionics of the artistes as well as mythologies and music belonging to different traditions is being lauded and drawing full houses all over the world
Music Videos
- Kabhie Kabhie – featuring Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
- Vande Matram – featuring Shubha Mudgal – Music A.R Rahman
- Technology and Dance – shot for President Bill Clinton
Lectures demonstrations
- Natya kala conference – 2016 – A multifaceted journey in Bharatanatyam
- Natya Kala Conference – 2016 – Melody in Rhythm
- Baani Festival – 2016 – Kalakshetra-Insight Lecture: Baani vs Individualism
- Natyan Kala Conference – 2012 – Finding the modern in the traditional
- Natyarangam – 2003 – Rhythm
Television and Advertisement
- Brand Ambassador of Alpha One Builders
- Double Horse
- Jose Allukas Jewelry
- MRF Vapocure Paints
- Prince Jewelry
- Kamilari
- Pril
- Mediker
TV Serials
- Kadhakadhaiyam Karanamaam – Star Vijay – 2001
- Needhi – Sun TV – 2003
On the Jury – Dance Reality shows
- “Vanita Ratnam”– Amritha TV
- “D for Dance”– Mazhavil Manorama TV
- “Midukki”– Mazhavil Manorama TV
- “Jodi No 1”– Star Vijay TV
- “Ungalil Yar Adutha Prabhudeva”– Star Vijay TV
- “Manada Mayilada”– Kalaignar TV
Meet Our Faculty
Trained directly under Guru Shobana to impart the foundation of the dance technique
