Meri Kahani With Bhawana Somaaya

Padmashri Darshana Jhaveri, a Manipuri dancer, scholar, teacher is one of the 4 world-renowned Jhaveri sisters whose name has become synonymous with Manipuri dancing.  She has dedicated her life to preserve, perpetuate and propagate the classism of Manipuri dance under the able guidance of Guru Bipin Singh. A technically versatile and immaculate dancer, Darshanaji has specialized both in tandava (masculine) and lasya (feminine) elements of Manipuri dance.   Her innate sensitivity to the highly developed intricate and complex Tal and rhythm patterns led her to competent mridang (drum) playing. The creative contribution of the Jhaveri sisters and Guru Bipin Singh has been to bring the traditional and classical dances of Manipur from the temples to the theater without polluting its original form and spirit. Since1958 she has performed extensively all over India and over 40 foreign countries. She has received many honors and awards, the most prestigious being National SNA Award, President's Padmashri award,