Celebrated Kathak Dancer Kumudini Lakhia Passes Away; PM Modi Offers Condolences
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Synopsis
The esteemed Kathak dancer Kumudini Lakhia, founder of the Kadamb Centre for Dance, has passed away at the age of 95 in Ahmedabad. A cultural icon and celebrated choreographer, she received multiple prestigious awards throughout her career.
Key Takeaways
- Kumudini Lakhia was a pivotal figure in Indian classical dance.
- Founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance in Ahmedabad.
- Received the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
- Mentored many notable Kathak dancers.
- Innovated group choreography in Kathak.
Ahmedabad, April 12 (NationPress) Renowned Kathak dancer and founder of the Kadamb Centre for Dance, Kumudini Lakhia, has left us at the age of 95 on Saturday in Ahmedabad.
A monumental figure in Indian classical dance, Lakhia was residing with her daughter, esteemed dancer Maitreyi Hattangadi.
Recently, she was honored with the Padma Vibhushan on Republic Day this year, acknowledging her lifelong commitment to Kathak.
Previously, she received the Padma Shri in 1987 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010, along with numerous other prestigious accolades throughout her remarkable career.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow at the loss of the dance legend, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Kumudini Lakhia ji, who stood out as a remarkable cultural icon. Her love for Kathak and Indian classical dances was evident in her extraordinary work over the years."
"A genuine trailblazer, she also nurtured many dancers. Her contributions will forever be remembered. My condolences to her family, students, and admirers. Om Shanti," he further added.
Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also shared his condolences, referring to her as "the pride of Gujarat and India in the realm of classical art."
"She trained numerous disciples in classical dance and showcased the beauty of Kathak dance nationally and internationally. May God grant peace to her soul and give strength to her relatives and countless disciples and admirers to endure this loss. Om Shanti," he wrote on X.
Lakhia was born in 1929. She began her journey dancing with Ram Gopal and traveled internationally, introducing Indian classical dance forms to global audiences.
Later, she trained under luminaries of the Jaipur Gharana and Pandit Shambhu Maharaj. Gradually, she transitioned from a solo performer to an innovative choreographer.
After more than two decades of solo performances, in 1967, Lakhia founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance in Ahmedabad. By 1973, she shifted her focus entirely to choreography, often innovating with group performances that transformed the traditional solo Kathak style.
Among her most distinguished choreographic works are Dhabkar (Pulse), Yugal (The Duet), and Atah Kim (Where Now?), the last of which she showcased at the Kathak Mahotsav in Delhi in 1980.
She also contributed as a choreographer to Muzaffar Ali's celebrated film 'Umrao Jaan' (1981) alongside Gopi Krishna.
Lakhia mentored numerous prominent Kathak dancers, including Aditi Mangaldas, Vaishali Trivedi, Sandhya Desai, Daksha Sheth, Maulik Shah, Ishira Parikh, Prashant Shah, Urja Thakore, and Parul Shah, among many others.
