Life Story of Malavika Somana

Malavika credits two women with the life she has today: her mother, who gave her the freedom to explore art, and her daughter, who encouraged her to return to it after nearly two decades away. 

Her mother, came from a Mangalorean Christian family and was a doctor, flautist and writer, but most distinctly, a woman ahead of her time. She encouraged her children to pursue artistic interests, make their own choices about faith and religion, and gave them the room to define themselves. Malavika’s father came from a Naidu family that had immigrated from Burma during the Second World War. These influences shaped much of her upbringing, interests and outlook. 

Growing up in Bangalore, Malavika and her mother spent several evenings a week at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Yavanika, ADA Ranga Mandira and Chowdiah Memorial Hall, watching music and dance performances. “These glorious centres of art, culture and literature were their favourite haunts.” Malavika learnt dance under accomplished dancers.  Her brother, went on to train as a contemporary dancer in the UK and has since taught thousands of young dancers across India. Theatre, dance and music were a significant part of their family life. 

But life after marriage dampened her creative spark. Family and work responsibilities left little room for artistic pursuits, and for nearly twenty years, Malavika stepped away from that part of her life. It was her daughter, who is a Salsa dancer and filmmaker, who then reignited her love for the arts. 

Today, her days are spent teaching at a school, attending Kathak classes and teaching the flute over the weekends. “During my classes, I alternate between teacher and student, and at home I’m a mother to my daughter and 50 animals that I look after,” she says. 

Her days begin at 5:30 in the morning and often end with an hour of flute or dance practice. She and her daughter live with three cats and three dogs and care for around 50 animals in their neighbourhood, all of whom they consider their beloved family. 

“If not for the two female forces prodding me along and pushing me through this life, I wouldn’t have built the life I have today,” she says. “It’s a wonderful place to be in.”