Born in the well known Borooah family of Assam, art and culture was part of Subhalakshsmi's life from a tender age. Her father Shri Parashuram Borooah, a tea industrialist and the Hero of the first Assamese film 'Joymati ', and her uncle Shri P.C.Borooah, a former member of parliament, was the first Assamese gramophone artist of great repute. Subhalakshmi's grand father Mr. Lakshmi Ram Borooah was the only Assamese exponent of Indian classical music of his time. As pioneers in preserving culture in Assam, the Borooah family were known for their contribution.

Early years saw Subhalaksmi trained in the Manipuri style of dance which won her distinction for her ability to execute this graceful style from the North East of India. 'A young dancer with a promise to keep' - that's how Subhalakshmi's single minded devotion and dedication to dance can best be described. She joined the most famous dance institution 'Kalakshetra' in Madras headed by Smt. Rukmani Devi Arundale, an eminent danseuse of her time. Subhalakshmi graduated in 'Bharatnatyam' with a five year diploma course in first class honours and proceeded to do her two year post graduation in which she passed out with distinction in 1967. A seriously gifted artist Subhalakshmi's style imparted the unmistakable stamp of Kalakshetra, the highly conservative Academy. All her dance revealed her superb training and technical perfections. Intrinsic clarity of her foot work in the range and nuances of her execution showed Subhalakshmi's artistic display, a maturity beyond her years.
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The very first performance in 1967, the public and press were taken by storm. So charmed were they by the magic quality infused in her flawlessly pure style that already placed her far above the average. From that point onwards there was no looking back.


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Her dancing feet tinkled on stage all over the country to sheer brilliance of her gift caught the discerning eye of the Govt. of India. The result was the cultural delegation,carrying the time honoured Indian Dance to foreign soils. In 1970, Subhalakshmi did a world wide tour of Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, West Germany, England, France, Belgium and Holland, leaving behind an enthralled audience. The following year, she was the rear few to be selected to dance at the 'Man and his World' festival in Canada and gave lectures demonstrations in USA and Japan. More tours abroad bought fresh Kudos and more praises for her in the the following years Subhalakshmi is the recipient of many awards and laurels. The Shirumani award, the critics award and the prestigious state award to name a few.

In 1976, Subhalakshmi married India's master musician Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan. It was the respect for each others art that brought them together. Blessed with two sons Amaan and Ayaan, Subhalakshmi continued with her rare appearances on stage, off and on for charitable causes till, she gave up dancing in 1985. Today Subhalakshmi is responsible for taking care of the professional aspects of her husband's and children's musical career.
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