SonyLIV’s Indian series “Rocket Boys” depicts the incredible true story of Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai, two pioneering scientists who propelled nuclear science and space research in India. In addition to their captivating career, the show also offers a detailed portrait of their personal life, especially Vikram Sarabhai’s relationship with Mrinalini Sarabhai, the famous classical dancer and dance teacher. Since the series opens a door to the early years of Mrinalini Sarabhai’s life with Vikram, viewers must wonder about his life after the events of the first season. With that, here’s everything you need to know!
What happened to Mrinalini Sarabhai?
The first season of “Rocket Boys” mainly focuses on the premise of Vikram and Mrinalini’s marriage and their turbulent union. According to Vikram’s biographer, Amrita Shah, Vikram and Mrinalini’s marriage was going through a troubled phase when Vikram began to invest more of his time in the development of science and scientific research for social advancement. Mrinalini, on the other hand, founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, India and started focusing on his dance academy. Mrinalini also started performing frequently during this period.
Mrinalini’s performances had a strong focus on social concerns. She began to raise awareness of issues such as dowry deaths, environmental degradation, and violation of women’s rights through her performances. In 1963, she wrote a play about dowry deaths, which later brought attention to the concern. In the 1970s, Mrinalini created “Ranmalpur”, a play that speaks out against the killings of Dalits in Gujarat. It was followed by “Aspirations” in 1979, which raises awareness against environmental degradation. Mrinalini also dealt with her husband’s death in December 1971.
Mrinalini continued his performances on international stages with Darpana. Its first major international performance took place in Paris in 1949, at the prestigious Théâtre National de Chaillot. Darpana made her New York debut in 1972. Mrinalini also choreographed a dance piece based on Beethoven’s “The Creatures of Prometheus” in Italy, where she collaborated with renowned ballet dancers and choreographers Milorad Mišković and Carla Fracci. During his later years, Mrinalini mainly oversaw Darpana’s operations, nurturing countless talents and artists. Her last performance was in a production named ‘Kadak Badshahi’ in January 2015.
How did Mrinalini Sarabhai die?
Mrinalini Sarabhai died on January 21, 2016, aged 97, from a stomach infection. She died at her home, located inside Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad, India. “My mother Mrinalini Sarabhai has just left for her eternal dance,” Mrinalini’s daughter and renowned dancer Mallika Sarabhai wrote after her death. Since Mrinalini’s disappearance, his daughter Mallika and the Darpana dance academy have organized several festivals and performances to commemorate Mrinalini’s contribution to the arts and the advancement of society.
Mrinalini Sarabhai has performed in over 100 countries. She also trained around 18,000 students in Bharatnatyam and Kathakali during her illustrious teaching career which spanned more than half a century. Together with her husband Vikram, Mrinalini also fought for the good of her compatriots.
Read more: Was Parvana Irani Homi Bhabha’s wife? Is she alive or dead?
