Dr Sonal Mansingh mesmerises people with her performance

Port Blair,Jan 17 (UNI) Renowned exponent of Odissi and Bharatnatyam Dr Sonal Mansingh today said she was mesmerised by the beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, after her performance at the inaugural function of the Island Tourism Festival, 2008.

Talking to mediapersons, she said, ''I was mesmerised by the picturesque view of the islands.'' Dr Mansingh is presently on a visit to Havelock and will perform at the inaugural ceremony of the Milan 2008 meet on January 18 at Port Blair.

Dr Mansingh has many original choreographies, based on Indian mythology as well as contemporary issues, to her credit.

Lately, her performances have veered more towards issues concerning women, environment, prison reforms and re-interpretation of the ancient myths for contemporary times.

In a career spanning almost half a century on stage, Dr Mansingh has performed extensively with India and in 82 countries.

Her performance last night here was one the main attractions of the ITF, the annual extravaganza of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Thousands of dignitaries and general public witnessed her performance during the inauguration, where after her performance, she said she was honoured to perform here.

She also founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD) in 1977 in Delhi and trained many young men and women, some of whom had already earned critical acclaim.

She also served as the Chairman of National Sangeet Natak Academy and as a Trustee of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

In recognition of her life-long commitment to dance and for her singular contribution to enriching the lives of millions in India, she was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour, in 2003.

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