Dr. Sonal Mansingh

Dr. Sonal Mansingh is one of India's most iconic cultural figures — an internationally acclaimed classical dancer, guru, scholar, cultural philosopher, author, and social leader whose work has transformed the country's artistic and intellectual landscape. For over six decades, she has been at the forefront of India's cultural renaissance, using classical dance as a profound medium to interpret philosophy, literature, sculpture, and mythology.

A trailblazing performer and thinker, Dr. Mansingh has performed, lectured, and conducted workshops in over 90 countries, establishing Indian classical arts as a global cultural force. She revived the ancient narrative tradition of Natya-Katha, combining storytelling, music, and abhinaya to bring mythological and social themes to life.

Her celebrated choreographies such as Devi Durga, Draupadi, Indradhanush, Manavata, Aatmayan, Sabras, Mera Bharat, and Mukti remain benchmarks of creativity and cultural interpretation.

As the Founder-President of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (1977), she has trained thousands of students who continue to disseminate India's artistic heritage worldwide.

In 2018, Dr. Mansingh was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, becoming the first classical dancer in Indian history to be conferred this honour. She was also named one of the Navaratnas of the Swachh Bharat Mission by the Prime Minister of India in 2014.

Her contributions have inspired celebrated biographies, documentaries, and literary works — most notably Sonal (directed by Prakash Jha), which won the National Award, and the acclaimed biographies Devapriya and A Life Like No Other.

Multiple Honorary Doctorates from leading Indian universities including GB Pant University, Sambalpur University, KIIT University, and Rabindra Bharati University.