Kumudini Lakhia | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Kadamb
When you saw Kumudini Lakhia’s gentle, humble and cheerful personality, you could hardly imagine that she was a woman who had immense internal strength and an inflammatory resolution. Eventually, he fought patriarchal setup in the Kathak world in his calm manner, and encouraged many young girls to dance on their own terms. And it was about 60 years ago, when the dick of the masters could not be defined. He designed a separate choreographer vocabulary to free his restrictive performances and free the dance form of retrograde stories. His work, with his contemporary sensitivity, attracted the world’s attention. Her biggest contribution to dance is changing the traditional image of a female artist – from an undisputed artist to an artist.
Kumudini Lakhia died at her residence in Ahmedabad on Saturday morning. She was 95 years old. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon. A prayer meeting will be held in Sindhu Bhavan, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, 15 April (at 9 am).
Kumudini and Ram Gopal | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Kadamb
The famous artist was honored in the recognition of his life dedication for Katak with Padma Vibhan on Republic Day this year. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1987 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010, along with many other prestigious honors.
Kumudini was happy to be a teacher compared to an artist than to teach a small space in her husband’s automobile shop to start her school Kadamb in 1965, Kumudini (Kuuben for her students and fans). During the conversation, she dedicated a lot of time while talking about her students and how she does not want to repeat her ideas only.
One of his senior students, Rupanshi Kashyap says, “Kadamb has been a house away from home. A hand Guru, Kumiben was always available for us. His training method was unique, she wanted us to develop a personal equation with art. She was happy when we came with our inputs.”
Students of Kumudini Lakhia performed one of their popular works ‘Ata Kim’ in New Delhi. , Photo Credit: Courtesy: Kadamb
During an interview Hindu, Kumudini once said, “I hate Slavish obedience. My students should never hesitate to question – this is the only way to make learning and teach exciting.”
Bangalore -based dancers couple Nirupama and Rajendra said in a Facebook post how a teacher can leave a permanent impact on his students. “During the last week of February, we met him. When we told him that his art, his legacy is going on here through many youths and showing his creations and performing his technology, he held our hands tightly and kissed him. His eyes proudly mention the names of the students who were working well in different parts of the world.
Pandit Birju Maharaj gave ‘Pandit Achhan Maharaj Kalajayoti Award’ to Kumudini Lakhia at Kamini Auditorium in New Delhi on March 10, 2008. Photo Credit: S. Subramanium
Exposed to the lives and works of the dancers before his time, Kumudini, despite his training in traditional Kathak, traveled to London, who joined Pioneering Ram Gopal, who placed an Indian dance on the map of global culture. They introduced her to a broad definition of dance – beyond the body. “When touring with him I realized that choreography is not only about well concept movements, it is also about well -coordinated light, dress, makeup and music,” he explained.
These associations and trips served as a catalyst in its constant discovery for new materials. However, as a single artist, Kumudini exploded with great success through the classical idiom. His hunger for challenges inspired him to adopt an unconventional approach and style. She came with abstract subjects, standing out for her ballet -like jump and glide. Pard-down dress and accessories gave its group a contemporary experience, while music maintained Indian classical taste.
Kumudini Lakhia was known for her different style. Photo Credit: Courtesy: Kadamb
“I did what I did not do because I wanted to be called an experimental or an enlightening. When you are constantly living with art, it starts reflecting your thoughts and feelings. So I see myself in Kathak and my dance is what I am,” he said.
Published – April 12, 2025 09:29 pm IST
