Legendary Kathak dancer Kumudini Lakhia died on April 12 in Ahmedabad at 94. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, just this January. The veteran artist was recognised for mentoring generations of Kathak dancers and choreographers by carving contemporary paths in the age-old classical dance form. Lakhia also received the Padma Shri in 1987, the Padma Bhushan in 2010, and many other national awards.
Who was Kumudini Lakhia?
Born on May 17, 1930, Kumudini Lakhia began dancing at age seven at the Bikaner Gharana, encouraged by her mother, also an artiste. She also trained with Ashiq Hussain of Benaras Gharana and Sunder Prasad of the Jaipur school. Lakhia completed her schooling in Lahore and college in Ahmedabad.
Lakhia was one of the first artists to bring Indian dance to a global audience, as she started her career performing with Ram Gopal as he toured the West. She then became a dancer and choreographer independently and performed solo for 70 years. In 1967, she founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance in Ahmedabad.
Lakhia was credited with bringing a nuanced dimension to classical dance. She introduced group performances in Kathak, traditionally a solo art form. At a 2001 Natyakala conference, she said, “Solo Kathak dance did not excite me any more because it had developed too much gimmickry to it. However, I was deeply rooted in dance, and the technique of Kathak itself was very artistic and complete. The way it was presented needed a lot of consideration.”
Tributes for Kumudini Lakhia
Beyond the dance community, Kumudini Lakhia left a mark across artistic and cultural spheres. Following her demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other dignitaries shared their condolences on social media. A condolence meeting will be held in her memory in Ahmedabad on April 15.
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