Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s2.t9.4

v2.c11.s2.t9.4

Shankar was born in a Bengali Brahmin family in Varanasi. His father graduated from Middle Temple in London. He was a scholar, and later became a lawyer in London. Shankar was the eldest son. His four younger brothers were all good in art, and the youngest, Ravi Shankar became the world famous sitar player. Shankar has even learned art in some schools in Varanasi and Mumbai, and then went to the Royal College of Art in London to learn painting. Meanwhile, he participated in dance performances off and on. During this period, Anna Pavlova, the most famous ballet dancer in Russia, wanted to have an artiste who could create a dance drama with together with the Indian style, and this changed Uday’s career. They jointly created the dance drama ‘*Oriental Impression*’ based on the story of Radha - Krisha in Hinduism, and its premiere was performed in the Royal College of Art in London. In 1931, Shankar set up the first Indian dance troupe in Europe, performing on tours in 84 cities in Europe and America within seven years. Meanwhile, they also partnered with many famous artistes. Shankar returned to India in 1927, and received a cordial reception and praise from the great poet. Rabindranath Tagore. With the suggestion of Tagore, he finally established Uday Shankar Center in India, in 1938.