27th April 2017
Author Sujata Prasad on how her biography reflects the dilemmas and dichotomies of the popular dancer’s life
Sonal Mansingh – A Life like No Other (Penguin Random House) is author, civil servant and admirer Sujata Prasad’s quest to unravel the cherished journey of Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancer Sonal Mansingh. Sujata Prasad studied history at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and Sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru University, and has dabbled in classical music and dance. She debuted as an author with a volume on health security, followed by a novella-like memoir for children.
Prasad has also been a frequent commentator on performing arts and gender related issues. In this biography, Sujata Prasad records various terrains in the tumultuous life of the celebrated dancer. Excerpts from an interview.
Why Sonal Mansingh and what qualities of her art appeal to you?
The irresistible ache of nostalgia. I am part of a starry-eyed generation that adored her. Her dance has been part of my life for what feels like my entire lifetime. And some things just happen. I was planning to work on a book on the political economy of Bihar when a chance meeting and revelatory glimpses of her extraordinary life suddenly changed my priority. In a sense her irresistible charm, candour and certitude of opinions worked their magic on me. It was a leap of faith. I really did not know how it would go. What appeals to me most is the incandescent energy that flows into her art, the emotional intensity that precedes every new creation and the fact that her art is driven by her mind...