"She also nurtured generations of dancers."
Kumudini Lakhia was a legendary Kathak dancer who died on April 12, 2025, at the age of 94.
Lakhia began training in Kathak at age seven and was encouraged by her mother who was a classical singer.
After dancing under the tour of Bissano Ram Gopal OBE, Lakhia became known for introducing Indian dance to people who lived abroad.
Some of her most famous choreographies include Dhabkar (1973) and Yugal (1976).
She also worked as a choreographer in the classic Bollywood film Umraao Jaan (1981).
Kumudini Lakhia was credited with diverging from the solo form of Kathak in the 1960s and turning it into a group performance.
She was also known for implementing contemporary storylines into the dance.
Since the news of her death, tributes to Lakhia have emerged on social media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “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.”
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
Another user, Priti Adani, wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Kumudiniben Lakhia – the revered doyen of Kathak honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
“Kumudiniben leaves the mortal realm immeasurably enriched through her timeless art and the disciples who carry her legacy with pride and devotion.
“These photos are from Adani Public School’s (Mundra) annual play which she had graciously attended.
“Rest in grace and power. Om Shanti.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Kumudiniben Lakhia, the revered doyen of Kathak honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Kumudiniben leaves the mortal realm immeasurably enriched through her timeless art and the disciples who carry her legacy with pride… pic.twitter.com/CBjsCTBld6
— Priti Adani (@AdaniPriti) April 12, 2025
Speaking about Kathak, Lakhia said: “Solo Kathak dance did not excite me any more because it had developed too much gimmickry to it.
“However, I was deeply rooted in dance and the technique of Kathak itself was very artistic and complete.
“The way it was presented needed a lot of consideration.
“A performance needs to embody a certain dignity and finesse.”
“This was my very first commitment to the presentation of Kathak.
“In my vision, I saw the entire stage filled with dancers, patterns of colours, music which had musicality and not just an accompanying element.”
In 2025, Kumudini Lakhia was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour.
She married Rajnikant Lakhia and had two children – a son named Shiraj and a daughter named Maitreyi.
Loading ...