Protima Gauri Bedi
- Born:
- October 12, 1948, Delhi, India
- Died:
- August 18, 1998, Malpa, Uttarakhand, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Model, Odissi Dancer, Writer, Ashram Founder
Early Life and Education
- Protima Bedi was raised primarily in military cantonment towns due to her father's military career.
- Educated at Convent of Jesus and Mary, Dehradun, and later at St. Bede's College, Shimla.
- Briefly studied at the University of Mumbai before dropping out.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to prominence as a leading Indian model in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Significant media attention for her bold fashion choices and unconventional lifestyle.
- At the age of 26, she embraced Odissi dance after seeing a performance by Kelucharan Mohapatra.
- Dedicated herself to learning Odissi, becoming a proficient dancer.
- Founded Nrityagram, a dance village near Bangalore, in 1990.
- Nrityagram became a renowned center for Odissi dance training and performance.
Notable Works
- Dance performances and tours, both solo and with Nrityagram.
- Acted in several films, including "Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye" (1977).
- Authored writings, including columns and articles on dance and culture.
- The phrase 'protima bedi autobiography meaning' becomes pertinent when considering her commitment to self-discovery and the exploration of her identity as reflected in her life's journey.
Legacy and Impact
Protima Bedi left a significant legacy in the fields of Indian modeling and classical dance. Her establishment of Nrityagram provided a space for the preservation and promotion of Odissi dance, nurturing generations of dancers and contributing to the recognition of Odissi on a global scale.
Year | Film | Role |
---|---|---|
1977 | Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye | Supporting Role |
1978 | Junoon | Mirza's Wife |
1980 | Aurat | Item Number |