Trained initially as a Bharat Natyam dancer , Lakshmi Shankar changed streams and went on to become one of the leading disciples of vocalist Abdul Rehman Khan of the Patiala gharana. She also received training from scholar-musician B. R. Deodhar and sitar maestro Ravi Shankar.

She is greatly admired for her renditions of thumri and allied forms. A frequently recorded artiste, she continues to perform and teach extensively.