Norodom Buppha Devi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norodom Buppha Deviនរោត្តម បុប្ផាទេវី |
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Princess Buppha Devi in 1965
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| Minister of Culture and Fine Arts | |
| In office | 30 November 1998 – 15 July 2004 |
| Born | 8 January 1943 Phnom Penh, Cambodia, French Indochina |
| Died | 18 November 2019 (aged 76) Bangkok, Thailand |
| Issue | Sisowath Moni Kossoma Sisowath Kalyan Tevi Norodom Chansita Sisowath Chivannariddh Sisowath Veakchiravuddh |
| House | Norodom |
| Father | Norodom Sihanouk |
| Mother | Phat Kanhol |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
| Styles of Norodom Buppha Devi |
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| Reference style | Her Royal Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Royal Highness |
Norodom Buppha Devi (Khmer: នរោត្តម បុប្ផាទេវី; January 8, 1943 – November 18, 2019) was a Cambodian princess. She was also a famous dancer and director of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. Later, she became a senator and the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts.
She was the daughter of King Norodom Sihanouk. Her mother was Neak Moneang Phat Kanhol. She was also the older sister of Prince Norodom Ranariddh. She was a half-sister to the current King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni. Her full official title was Her Royal Highness Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Ream Norodom Buppha Devi.
What's in a Name?
Buppha Devi's name has a special meaning. It comes from old words. Buppha (បុប្ផា) means "flower." Devi (ទេវី) means "goddess." So, her name means "flower goddess." You might also see her name written as "Bopha Devi."
Life and Career
Princess Buppha Devi finished high school in Phnom Penh. Her grandmother, Queen Sisowath Kossamak, chose her to be a dancer when she was very young. By age 15, she became the main dancer of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. At 18, she earned the title of prima ballerina. This means she was the top female dancer.
She traveled the world as the lead dancer with Queen Kossamak. They performed the Royal Ballet for many people. In the past, this ballet was only performed for royalty. It honored their ancestors and gods. Because she was such a talented dancer, her father, King Norodom Sihanouk, cast her in his first movie. The film was called Apsara and came out in 1966.
Princess Buppha Devi also held important government roles. From 1991 to 1993, she was the Deputy Minister of Culture and Fine Arts. She advised the Royal Government on culture and arts from 1993 to 1998. She was also the Vice President of the Cambodian Red Cross for a few years. From 1998 to 2004, she served as the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts.
Family Life
Princess Buppha Devi had five children. They are:
- Princess Sisowath Moni Kossoma (born 1960)
- Princess Sisowath Kalyan Tevi (born 1961)
- Norodom Chansita (born 1965)
- Prince Sisowath Chivannariddh (born 1968)
- Prince Sisowath Veakchiravuddh (born 1973)
See also
- Voan Savay, another prima ballerina of the Khmer Royal Ballet
