Born into a family of dancers committed to the arts, Shobana is the niece of the legendary classical dancers - Travancore Sisters - Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini. It is only natural that Shobana followed in their footsteps starting her training in Bharatanatyam at a very early age.

Shobana acted for the first time in a leading role in the Malayalam motion picture “April 18″ in 1984, directed by Balachandra Menon. She also acted alongside the Malayalam actor Mammootty in the film Kanamarayathu (1984). Shobana won her first National Film Award for Best Actress from the government of India in 1994 for her performance in Fazil’s movie Manichitrathazhu, which was a Mohanlal starrer. She bagged a second National award for best actress in the year 2001 for her role in an English language film Mitr, My Friend, directed by Revathi.

Under the guidance of the distinguished exponent of Bharatanatyam Chitra Visweswaran, Shobana’s dedication to this art form was further honed kindling a commitment beyond the ordinary. In 1984 after five years of intensive study at the Chidambaram Academy, Madras, she made her debut on stage proving her inherent gift as a fine dancer. Since then she has continued to perform to audiences of connoisseurs both in India and abroad. Her recitals abroad include the World Malayalee convention , in America in 1995,1985. Shobana has also performed in Kualalumpur before the King and Queen of Malaysia. Her dance tours have taken her all over U.S.A, Europe, the whole of Southeast Asia and Australia.

In 1994 Shobana founded Kalarpana with the intention of committing herself to the propagation of the classical arts.The aim of Kalarpana is to organize yearly festivals throughout India. This will include performances of nationally and globally known artists to raise funds that will be ploughed back into training talented artists who are financially insecure.

The Kalarpana School of dance has grown in stature and the students have carved a niche for themselves in the field of dance.
Shobana who is presently teaching Bharatanatyam in Madras has distinguished herself over the years in the field of films as a noted actress.

Filmography

• Mere Baap Pehle Aap(2008)
• Apna Asmaan (2007)
• Makalkku (2005)
• Maampazhakkaalam (2004)
• Dance Like a Man (2003)
• Mitr, My Friend (2002)
• Sradha (2000)
• Valliettan (2000)
• Agni Sakshi (1999)
• Kaliyoonjal (1997)
• Kalyana Kacheri (1997)
• Superman (1997)
• Hitler (1996)
• Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum (1996)
• Kumkumacheppu (1996)
• Suryaputrulu (1996)
• Mazhayethum Munpe
• Minnaminuginum Minnukettu (1995
• Sindoora Rekha (1995)
• Vishnu (1994)
• Commissioner (1994)
• Manathe Vellitheru (1994)
• Minnaram (1994)
• Pakshe (1994)
• Pavithram (1994)
• Thenmavin Kombath (1994)
• Manichithrathazhu (1993)
• Maya Mayuram (1993)
• Meleparambil Aanveedu (1993)
• Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992)
• Ahankari (1992)
• Hello Darling (1992)
• Oru Kochu Bhoomikulukkam (1992)
• Thalapathi (1991)
• Rowdy Alludu (1991)
• Rowdy Gari Pellam (1991)
• Appula Appa Rao (1991)
• April 1st Vidudhala (1991)
• Kankettu (1991)
• Keechu Raallu (1991)
• Ulladakkam (1991)
• Kalikkalam (1990)
• Alludugaru (1990)
• Sasneham (1990)
• Charithram (1989)
• Innale (1989)
• Kokila (1989)
• Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1989)
• Siva (1989)
• Mukthi (1988)
• Rudra Veena (1988)
• Vicharana (1988)
• Abhinandana (1988)
• Aparan (1988)
• Dhwani (1988)