1989 — Lotus Group Artists: Where Nalini Dance Began

Lotus 1988 (Группа Лотос)

Artists of the “Lotus” Group (Группа «Лотос», 1988):

• Yuriy Kurbanov (Юрий Курбанов) – bass

• Aleksei Kurbanov (Алексей Курбанов) – guitarist and soloist, band leader

• Mishoe Shamo (Мишое Шамо) – Indian soloist

• Natalya Podupeiko (Наталья Подупейко) – dancer

• Yevgeniya Kurbanova (Евгения Курбанова) – keyboards

• Milhail Zagaevskiy (Михаил Загаевский) – magician (фокусник)

• Ihor Kurbanov (Игорь Курбанов) – drums

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Where Rock Met Rhythm

Before the world knew her as Nalini, she was Natalya Podupeiko (Наталья Подупейко)—a young dreamer from Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Ukraine, swept up in the energy of the Soviet music scene.

In 1988, she joined Lotus, a touring band from Astrakhan, Russia, known for their electrifying rock covers and original songs. But it was Nalini’s deep love for Indian dance that sparked something new. Inspired by the vibrant energy of Indian cinema music (now known as Bollywood), the group invited her to co-create a groundbreaking stage program blending rock with classical Indian-inspired movement. It was bold, unexpected—and it marked the birth of Nalini’s lifelong journey through dance.

This chapter introduces the Lotus Group artists, the musicians and performers who shaped the very beginning of Nalini Dance.