A file picture of Mallika Sarabhai

March 28: She can paint a Ganesha with her feet and she will be in your city soon.

Danseuse Mallika Sarabhai will perform at a charity show in aid of war widows organised by the Army Wives’ Welfare Association of the 101 Area, an NGO, at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra on Friday.

The association, which looks after the welfare of the next of kin of the deceased, disabled and retired personnel of the army residing in the northeastern states, has played a vital role in rehabilitating war widows.

“Alleviation of the sufferings of the widows and orphans, restoring hope to the war widows, providing for their children and giving them a secure future are some of the major tasks of the association.

Mallika, a Bharatanatyam dancer, social activist, stage and film actress, choreographer and writer all rolled into one, has captivated audiences from all continents with her performance as Draupadi in Mahab.

It was during her stint with Peter Brooks that she was transformed from “being a dancer to a communicator”. Mallika, with mother Mrinalini Sarabhai, are co-directors of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad.

When Mrinalini Sarabhai founded Darpana to teach Bharatanatyam and Kathakali in 1949, it was the first institution of its kind in the city. It was an uphill task to create an appreciative audience for the South Indian dance forms, with their base in Carnatic music and languages, which were so alien to the local culture. The notion of Gujarati girls from “decent” families learning classical dance and taking it up as a career was even more unpalatable.

Stage is not the only place where Mallika reveals her multi-faceted talent. She is a noted filmmaker, a familiar TV anchor, an editor, a publisher, a doctorate from the Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad) and an activist espousing all kinds of causes.

The daughter of reputed dancer Mrinalini and renowned scientist Vikram Sarabhai, Mallika’s legacy includes a confluence of artistic zeal and scientific pursuit. Mallika, who has studied at the IIM, is equipped with MBA and PhD degrees.

She received the first award for her performance in 1977. However, the award closest to her heart is the one she received in Paris a few years ago for being chosen the best solo artist from among 400 dancers from 25 countries.

Mallika is the proud recipient of the French Palme D’Or, the highest civilian award conferred by the French government, among others.

Mallika’s endeavour to generate funds for charity will bring here to this city. Assam governor Lt Gen. (retd.) Ajai Singh will attend the function. A commemorative brochure will be released on the occasion.