Kathak legend Kumudini Lakhia passes

Kathak legend Kumudini Lakhia | Photo Credit: Hindu

Famous Kathak Vagan and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia passed away at his residence in Ahmedabad on Saturday (April 12, 2025) on Saturday (April 12, 2025) due to an age -related disease.

Lakhia was honored with the Padma Vibhan, India’s second largest civilian award on this year’s Republic Day, which was in recognition of his life dedication for Kathak.

Parul Thakor, administrator of Kadamb Center for Dance and Music, said, “Kumudiniben died at her house at around 11 am in Ahmedabad. She was 95 years old and was suffering from some age related diseases for the last three months.”

Born on 17 May 1930 in Ahmedabad, Lakhia became a famous Indian Kathak dancer and choreographer. At the Kadamb Center, he developed a list of Kathak dance techniques, vocabulary and demonstrations.

He also worked as a choreographer in Hindi film “Umrao jaan“(1981), among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to him and said that his passion for Kathak and Indian classical dance was reflected in his remarkable work for years.

Shri Modi said in the social media platform X, “Unhappy with the death of Kumudini Lakhia ji, who left an imprint as an excellent cultural icon. Kathak and Indian classical dance refused to her remarkable work over the years.”

He said, “A true leader, he also nurtured the generations of the dancers. His contribution would be nurtured. Conspiracy to his family, students and fans. Om Shanti,” he said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed grief over his demise, and described him the “pride of Gujarat and India in the field of classical art”.

“He trained many disciples in classical dances and demonstrated the glory of Kathak dance in the country and the world. God can give peace to his soul and give strength to his relatives and countless disciples and fans to bear this grief. Om Shanti,” he posted on X.

Lakhia won many prestigious awards such as Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhan, Sargeet Natak Academy, Kalidas Samman, and Gaurav Puruskar in the recognition of his contribution to the Indian dance world.

He began to choreography with a small group of students in 1973 and his effort was to change the presentation of Kathak dance with innovative methods for contemporary expression.

He also presented lectures on ‘Creativity and Performance in Dance’ in universities in India, United States and Europe. He learned from various gurus and was also trained under Shambu Maharaj at the Indian Art Center on Scholarship from the Government of India.