Dona Ganguly, wife of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, is not just known for her marriage to a cricketing legend; she is also a celebrated Odissi dancer and educator. This article explores her life, career, love story, and their daughter, Sana.
Early Life: A Dance of Passion
Dona Ganguly was born on August 22, 1977, in Behala, Kolkata. From a young age, she displayed a profound passion for dance, beginning her training at just three years old under the tutelage of the renowned Amala Shankar. She later studied under esteemed Gurus like Giridhari Nayek and Kelucharan Mohapatra, who shaped her skills in Odissi dance, a classical dance form of India.
Marriage: A Love Story Defying Odds
Dona and Sourav’s love story is reminiscent of a romantic film. Growing up as neighbors in Kolkata, they shared a childhood friendship that blossomed into love during their teenage years. Their relationship, however, was not without challenges; both families harbored old grudges against each other.
In a daring move, the couple eloped and married in February 1997, amidst family dissent. Their secret wedding was organized with the help of a friend, a fellow cricketer, and was a small, intimate affair, kept hidden for some time. Eventually, they revealed their marriage to their families, who, while initially shocked and displeased, eventually accepted their union.
Career: Balancing Dance and Education
Dona is not only a dancer but also an accomplished educator. She heads the Odissi department at Bharati Vidya Bhavan and Tecno India Schools. An “A” graded artist of Doordarshan, Dona has dedicated her life to promoting Odissi dance both nationally and internationally. She also runs her own dance troupe, Diksha Manjari, showcasing her passion for the art form.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Dona holds an impressive academic background, with a Post Graduation, M Phil, and PhD in International Relations from Jadavpur University. She has served as an Assistant Professor in the Political Science department at The Bhawanipur Education Society College since 2012.
The Love Story: From Childhood Friends to Lifelong Partners
Dona and Sourav’s journey to love was punctuated by sweet moments and challenges. Sourav often took detours to catch a glimpse of Dona while playing football. Their first significant interaction occurred during a badminton game, which led to Dona speaking to Sourav for the first time.
Their relationship was kept secret due to the animosity between their families. When Sourav was called to represent India in his debut match at Lord’s, he decided to marry Dona upon his return. Despite the familial challenges, their elopement was a testament to their determination to be together.
Parenthood: Raising Sana
In 2001, Dona and Sourav welcomed their daughter, Sana. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Sana developed a passion for Odissi dance. Dona made a conscious decision to pause her career for several years to dedicate time to her daughter, highlighting the importance of family.
Despite their fame, Dona and Sourav have strived to create a nurturing environment for Sana, ensuring she has a normal upbringing amidst the glitz of celebrity life.
A Lasting Bond: Love and Support
Years into their marriage, Dona and Sourav remain a supportive couple. Dona expresses pride in being Sourav’s wife, acknowledging her unique position in the dance world and in her family. Sourav, in turn, has always publicly cherished his wife, often showcasing their affection through various gestures.
As rumors swirl about a biopic on Sourav Ganguly, Dona has expressed her excitement, revealing her thoughts on who she would like to see portray her husband, further emphasizing her supportive nature.
From her childhood dreams to her achievements as a dancer and educator, and her cherished role as a mother and wife, Dona exemplifies grace and determination. Her journey alongside Sourav is a testament to their love and commitment, proving that together, they can overcome any challenge.
