Dona Ganguly (Indian Odissi Dancer) Biography

Quick Info

Profession	Odissi Dancer
Nationality	Indian
Date of Birth	22/08/1976
Age	49 years
Birthplace	Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Latest News about Dona Ganguly

10/06/2025

Dona Ganguly conducted the first-ever Odissi workshop at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. The event was highlighted as a historic presentation of Indian classical dance at the college and showcased her continuing international presence as an Odissi exponent.

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Bio/Wiki

Other Name: Dona Roy
Full Name: Dona Ganguly (née Roy)

Physical Stats & More

Height	160 cm
Eye Color	Black
Hair Color	Black

Educational Qualification(s)

Loreto Convent School, Kolkata

Personal Life

School	Loreto Convent School, Kolkata
Ethnicity	Bengali
Food Habit	Non-Vegetarian
Hobbies	Dancing, Travelling

Relationships & More

Marital Status	Married
Affairs/Boyfriends	Sourav Ganguly (Former Cricketer)
Marriage Date	01/02/1997
Spouse Title	Former Indian Cricket Captain and 39th President of BCCI

Family

Father	Sanjeev Roy (Businessman)
Mother	Swapna Roy
Spouse	Sourav Ganguly
Children	Sana Ganguly

Career

Awards, Honours, Achievements	In 1995 the then-mayor of San Francisco, Frank M. Jordan, declared the 9th day of June as the "Dona Roy Day" in San Francisco. Dona has received Honorary Citizenship from the metropolitan cities like Nashville, Memphis, Los Angeles, Sunnyvale, and Pleasanton. She founded the dance institution Diksha Manjari and has trained students in Odissi through the institution. She has performed internationally, including a university workshop at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. In 1995, the then-mayor of San Francisco, Frank M. Jordan, declared June 9 as 'Dona Roy Day' in San Francisco. Received Honorary Citizenship from metropolitan cities including Nashville, Memphis, Los Angeles, Sunnyvale, and Pleasanton. Founded the dance institution Diksha Manjari, training students in Odissi. Recognized as an 'A' graded artist by Doordarshan. Currently heads the Odissi department at Bharati Vidya Bhavan, Kolkata, and Techno India Schools.

Awards, Honours, Achievements

In 1995 the then-mayor of San Francisco, Frank M. Jordan, declared the 9th day of June as the "Dona Roy Day" in San Francisco.
Dona has received Honorary Citizenship from the metropolitan cities like Nashville, Memphis, Los Angeles, Sunnyvale, and Pleasanton.
She founded the dance institution Diksha Manjari and has trained students in Odissi through the institution.
She has performed internationally, including a university workshop at Jesus College, University of Cambridge.
In 1995, the then-mayor of San Francisco, Frank M. Jordan, declared June 9 as 'Dona Roy Day' in San Francisco.
Received Honorary Citizenship from metropolitan cities including Nashville, Memphis, Los Angeles, Sunnyvale, and Pleasanton.
Founded the dance institution Diksha Manjari, training students in Odissi.
Recognized as an 'A' graded artist by Doordarshan.
Currently heads the Odissi department at Bharati Vidya Bhavan, Kolkata, and Techno India Schools.

Favourites

Cuisine	Thai
Actor	Shah Rukh Khan
Travel Destination	London
Films	Jab We Met (2007), 3 Idiots (2009)
Singer	Kishore Kumar

Social Media

Twitter	https://x.com/DonaGanguly75

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Dona Ganguly was born in an affluent business family in Behala, Kolkata.
2. She discovered her passion for dance at a very young age.
3. At just 3 years old, she began learning dance from Amala Shankar, who was a prominent Indian danseuse and the wife of renowned choreographer Uday Shankar.
4. Following her early training, Dona received instruction in Odissi dance from Guru Giridhari Nayek.
5. She later received guidance and training from Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, who provided her with numerous opportunities to showcase and enhance her talent.
6. Kelucharan Mohapatra was highly impressed with Dona’s dancing abilities and considered her an exemplary student.
7. Seeing Dona's dedication to dance, her guru started visiting Kolkata to further educate her.
8. In the initial stages of her career, Dona accompanied her guru in Pakwaj performances.
9. She actively participated in various national and international dance festivals and events.
10. In 1992, her exceptional performance at the India International Centre in Delhi was lauded, with The Hindu commending her dance skills reminiscent of the renowned Sanjukta Panigrahi.
11. Dona has performed at prestigious Indian dance festivals like the “Dover Lane Music Conference” and “River Festival” in Kolkata.
12. Internationally, she has showcased her talent at events such as the “15th North American Bengali Conference” in New York and the “India by the Nile festival” in Egypt.
13. In addition to her dance career, Dona owns the dance institution ‘Diksha Manjari,’ where she imparts dance training to learners of all ages.
14. She currently heads the Odissi department at Bharati Vidya Bhavan, Kolkata, and Techno India Schools.
15. A well-known artist, Dona is associated with Doordarshan as well.
16. Dona Ganguly and Sourav's first date took place at the Kolkata-based Chinese restaurant, Mandarin, during which she was taken aback by Sourav's hearty appetite.
17. Diksha Manjari has more than 2000 students and also emphasizes swimming, yoga, and karate.
18. Diksha Manjari was inaugurated by Smt. Lata Mangeshkar.
19. At just 3 years old, she began learning dance from Amala Shankar, a prominent Indian danseuse and wife of choreographer Uday Shankar.
20. Following early training, she received instruction in Odissi from Guru Giridhari Nayek.
21. She later received guidance from Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, who was highly impressed with her abilities and considered her an exemplary student.
22. Seeing her dedication, her guru started visiting Kolkata to further educate her.
23. In 1992, her performance at the India International Centre in Delhi was lauded by The Hindu, comparing her skills to Sanjukta Panigrahi.
24. She has performed at prestigious Indian festivals like the 'Dover Lane Music Conference' and 'River Festival' in Kolkata.
25. Internationally, she showcased her talent at the '15th North American Bengali Conference' in New York and the 'India by the Nile festival' in Egypt.
26. She owns the dance institution 'Diksha Manjari,' which imparts training to learners of all ages.
27. Diksha Manjari has over 2000 students and also emphasizes swimming, yoga, and karate.
28. Dona and Sourav's first date took place at the Chinese restaurant 'Mandarin' in Kolkata, where she was surprised by his hearty appetite.

Dona Ganguly Odissi Dancer Indian Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, India