Ragini Devi

Dancing in the Family

a funny engaging memoir of three generations of unconventional women — Ragini Devi, Indrani Rahman and Sukanya… it deserves to be read, not merely because it is about extraordinary women set against the changing historical backdrop of Indian classical dance, but primarily because it is a story well told

The Extraordinary Story of the First Family of Indian Classical Dance

by Sukanya Rahman

Published by Speaking Tiger

Amazon

Generations of excellence in Indian classical dance – The Sunday Guardian

Indrani in her first Odissi costume,1958. Photo: Habib Rahman

Sukanya Rahman’s new book, Dancing in the Family, is an inter-generational memoir about the dancing careers of her mother and grandmother, and her own education in classical dance.

“…a funny engaging memoir of three generations of unconventional women — Ragini Devi, Indrani Rahman and Sukanya… it deserves to be read, not merely because it is about extraordinary women set against the changing historical backdrop of Indian classical dance, but primarily because it is a story well told…”
The Hindu

“This is a fascinating addition to 20th century dance history, as well as an extraordinary east-west saga and the chronicle of a remarkable family. Sukanya Rahman, who had a ringside seat for many of the adventures she records here, writes with abundant charm, humor and insight.”

Laura Shapiro

…I loved it – it’s a really lovely work of love – the image of your American grandmother – riding around, broke, with a troupe and costumes all over India is haunting – such eccentric courage!

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala