Sudha Chandran, born on September 27, 1965, in Mumbai, India. Sudha Chandran is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and actress. Her journey is a remarkable tale of resilience and determination.
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Sudha Chandran’s Early Life and Education
Raised in Mumbai, Chandran’s roots trace back to Vayalur, Tiruchirappalli, in Tamil Nadu. Her father, K.D. Chandran, worked at USIS and was also an actor. Sudha Chandran exhibited a passion for dance from a very young age, starting her training in Bharatanatyam when she was just three and a half years old. Excelling academically, she chose arts over science after scoring 80% in her 10th standard exams, determined to pursue a career in dance. She later earned her B.A. from Mithibai College, Mumbai, followed by an M.A. in economics.
Sudha Chandran’s Overcoming Adversity
At 16, Sudha Chandran faced a life-altering challenge. In 1981, she was involved in a road accident in Tamil Nadu that resulted in the amputation of her right leg due to gangrene. This period marked the toughest time of her life, but she overcame this disability with the help of a prosthetic ‘Jaipur Foot’ and rigorous physiotherapy. After a hiatus of two years, she made a triumphant return to the dance stage in Mumbai on January 28, 1984. Her comeback was met with widespread acclaim, re-establishing her as one of India’s best Bharatanatyam dancers.
Sudha Chandran’s Acting Career
Sudha Chandran’s acting career began with the Telugu film “Mayuri” in 1986, which was based on her own life story. This role won her the National Film Award – Special Jury Award. She is also known for her memorable television roles, including Ramola Sikand in “Kaahin Kissii Roz” and Yamini Singh in the “Naagin” series.
Sudha Chandran’s Contributions and Recognitions
Chandran is the founder of the Sudha Chandran Academy of Dance in Mumbai and Pune and serves as the vice-chairperson of the National Association of Disabled Enterprises (NADE). Her remarkable story and advocacy have led to significant contributions in the field of arts and disability rights. She married assistant director Ravi Dang in 1994 and was honored with an honorary doctorate by Invertis University, Bareilly.
Sudha Chandran’s Awards and Achievements
Her accolades include the 1985 National Film Award – Special Jury Award for “Mayuri,” the Nandi Special Jury Award in the same year, the 2017 Colors Golden Petal Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for “Naagin,” and the 2020 Zeetelugu kutumbam award for her role in “No.1 Kodalu”.
Sudha Chandran’s life and career are testaments to the power of perseverance and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome daunting challenges. Her contributions to the arts and her advocacy for people with disabilities continue to inspire many across the world.
