Shobha Naidu

Sobha Naidu (1956 – 14 October 2020) was among the foremost Kuchipudi dancers of India and a disciple of the renowned master Vempati Chinna Satyam. She mastered the technique of Kuchipudi and began dancing lead roles in dance-dramas at a young age. She performed with her guru's troupe extensively, performing the roles of Satyabhama and Padmavati. Principal of Kuchipudi Art Academy, Hyderabad, Sobha Naidu imparted training to younger students over the past few years. In 2010, the school celebrated the completion of 30 years. She also choreographed several dance-dramas. She received the title of Nritya Choodamani from Krishna Gana Sabha, Madras. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991 and the Padma Shri award by the Government of India in 2001.

Sobha Naidu was born in Anakapalle, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh state in 1956. She earned a degree from Queen Mary's college.

Regardless of family opposition, her mother Sarojini Devi had her tutored by P.L. Reddy at Rajamahendravaram. After which she trained under the legendary Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam. She was an outstanding student of Vempati. Eminent Carnatic violinist Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu is a relative of her.

With twelve years of rigorous practice, some of her best roles are her portraits of Sathyabhama, Padmavathi and Chandalika. She choreographed eighty solo numbers, fifteen ballets, and trained over 1500 students from India and overseas.

Naidu was admired not just in the country, but all over the world. Organized by the TANA, she traveled across the US to perform. She also represented India in various cultural events in like U.K., U.S.S.R., Syria, Turkey, Hong Kong, Baghdad, Kampuchea, and Bangkok. On behalf of the Indian government, Sobha Naidu led a cultural delegation to West Indies, Mexico, Venezuela, Tunis, and Cuba, followed by a visit to West Asia.

• Padma Shri award in 2001
• Nritya Choodamani award in 1982
• She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution to Kuchipudi dance in 1991
• Nritya Kala Siromani award in 1996
• NTR National Award in 1998
• AP State Government Hamsa Award