Ahmedabad’s Kathak legend Kumudini Lakhia passes away at 95

Ahmedabad’s grand old Kathak maestro, Kumudini Lakhia, bid farewell to the city forever on Saturday morning. Lakhia passed away at the age of 95. 

The Kathak legend’s last rites were performed at VS Shamshan Gruh, Ellisbridge at 1 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the dance legend, stating, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Kumudini Lakhia ji, who made a mark as an outstanding cultural icon. Her passion towards Kathak and Indian classical dances was reflected in her remarkable work over the years."

"A true pioneer, she also nurtured generations of dancers. Her contributions will continue to be cherished. Condolences to her family, students and admirers. Om Shanti," he added.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Kumudini Lakhia ji, who made a mark as an outstanding cultural icon. Her passion towards Kathak and Indian classical dances was reflected in her remarkable work over the years. A true pioneer, she also nurtured generations of dancers. Her…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed his grief, calling her "the pride of Gujarat and India in the field of classical art".

"She trained many disciples in classical dance and exposed the glory of Kathak dance in the country and the world. May God grant peace to her soul and give strength to her relatives and countless disciples and admirers to bear this grief. Om Shanti," he posted on X.

She was recently included in the list of recipients for the Padma Vibhushan award in January 2025. Born on May 17, 1930, in Ahmedabad, she went on to become a celebrated Indian Kathak dancer and choreographer.

In 1967, she founded the Kadamb School of Dance and Music in Ahmedabad, an institution dedicated to Indian dance and music. She is credited with pioneering innovative experiments in the field of Kathak.

Lakhia initially trained under various gurus of the Jaipur Gharana and later under Shambhu Maharaj. She was especially known for her multi-dancer (ensemble) choreographies. Some of her most famous productions include Dhabkar, Yugal, and Atah Kim (meaning “Where to now?”), which she presented in 1980 at the annual Kathak Mahotsav in Delhi.

She also collaborated with Gopi Krishna to choreograph the Hindi film Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan (1981). Her disciples include many notable Kathak dancers such as Aditi Mangaldas, Vaishali Trivedi, Sandhya Desai, Daksha Sheth, Maulik Shah, Ishira Parikh, Prashant Shah, Urja Thakore, and Parul Shah.