Renowned Kathak dancer and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia passed away on Saturday morning at her residence in Ahmedabad. She was 95.
Known for revolutionizing the traditional solo form of Kathak into an innovative group spectacle, Lakhia leaves behind a profound legacy that reshaped the art form for modern audiences.
A Life Dedicated to Dance
Born on May 17, 1930, in Ahmedabad, Kumudini Lakhia began her journey in Kathak at the age of seven under the tutelage of Sohanlal from the Bikaner Gharana. She later trained with prominent gurus such as Ashiq Hussain and Sunder Prasad, grounding herself in both the Jaipur and Benaras gharanas of Kathak.
Her early career saw her performing internationally with the legendary Ram Gopal, introducing Indian classical dance to Western audiences.
In 1964, she founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance and Music in Ahmedabad, which became a hub for nurturing new talent and reimagining Kathak’s possibilities.
Lakhia transitioned to choreography in 1973, creating iconic works like Dhabkar (Pulse), Yugal (The Duet), and Atah Kim (Where Now?), which pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling in Kathak by incorporating contemporary themes and group performances.
A Legacy of Innovation
Kumudini Lakhia’s approach to Kathak was both bold and transformative. She moved away from ornate embellishments and traditional narratives, focusing instead on abstraction, geometry, and modern expression while retaining the soul of the dance form. Her choreography for the Bollywood classic Umrao Jaan (1981) remains a testament to her ability to blend tradition with innovation.
Her students include some of India’s most celebrated dancers and choreographers, such as Aditi Mangaldas, Daksha Sheth, and Maulik Shah, who continue to carry forward her vision. Internationally, she was often compared to American modern dance pioneer Martha Graham for her groundbreaking contributions to classical dance.
Honoured by a Nation
Lakhia’s contributions were recognized with numerous accolades throughout her life. She received India’s highest civilian honours for her work in performing arts: the Padma Shri in 1987, the Padma Bhushan in 2010, and most recently, the Padma Vibhushan on Republic Day this year. Additionally, she was honoured with awards like the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Kalidas Samman.