Page 40 - NIS English 16-31 May, 2026

PERSONALITY | Kumudini Lakhia

Who Gave Kathak

A New Dimension

Going beyond the traditional boundaries of
Kathak, Kumudini Lakhia gave it a new look and
direction and dedicated her life to it. She not
only learnt Kathak but also taught it. This is why
her name is now regarded as synonymous with
Kathak. Through her imagination and innovative
presentations, she gave a new dimension to
Kathak dance and is considered one of the great
exponents of Indian classical dance, leaving
behind a rich and lasting legacy...

Born: May 17, 1930 | Died: April 12, 2025

ndia’s renowned danseuse and the visionary who rary interpretations. For this reason, she is credited
Igave a new direction and dimension to Kathak, with pioneering innovative experiments within the
Kumudini Lakhia, was born on May 17, 1930, in realm of Kathak. Moreover, she also choreographed
Ahmedabad, Gujarat. From her very childhood, she the Hindi film ‘Umrao Jaan’.
possessed a natural inclination toward the arts. Con- In 1987, she was honoured with the Padma Shri
sequently, she began her training in Kathak at the age by the Government of India, followed by the Padma
of seven and set forth on a path to become a leading Bhushan in 2010. In 2025, President Droupadi
artist in the field. She is credited with transforming Murmu posthumously conferred upon her the
Kathak in the 1960s, moving it beyond the confines of Padma Vibhushan for her contributions to the field of
the solo dance category to evolve it into a group dance arts. Her grandson accepted the award on her behalf.
form as well. Furthermore, she revitalised Kathak by Over the course of a long and successful dance career
introducing innovations such as incorporating con- spanning approximately seventy-five years, she gave
temporary narratives into its performances. performances in more than fifty countries.
Kumudini Lakhia, who endowed Kathak with a She passed away on the morning of April 12, 2025,
new form, philosophy, and aesthetic on the stage, at the age of 94. She breathed her last at her home
founded the Kadamb School of Dance and Music in Ahmedabad. Expressing his condolences on her
in Ahmedabad in 1964, an institution dedicated to passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “Deeply
Indian dance and music. This institution devoted saddened by the passing of Kumudini Lakhia ji, who
its entire focus and vision to the development of made a mark as an outstanding cultural icon. Her
Kathak’s technique, vocabulary, and presentation. passion towards Kathak and Indian classical dances
Through this institution, she trained and mentored was reflected in her remarkable work over the years. A
countless students. She gave a fresh perspective to true pioneer, she also nurtured generations of dancers.
Kathak performances through innovative contempo- Her contributions will continue to be cherished. n

38 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || May 16-31, 2026