New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to Kumudini Lakhia, the renowned Kathak exponent, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 95 in Ahmedabad.
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
In a condolence message shared on X, PM Modi described her as a “true pioneer” in Indian classical dance, whose dedication to Kathak was evident in her decades of artistic contribution.
“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,” PM Modi said in his post.
Kumudini Lakhia, whose legacy transformed the Kathak landscape, had been recognized with some of the country’s highest civilian honours. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan earlier this year on Republic Day, in addition to the Padma Shri (1987) and Padma Bhushan (2010). Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking work in classical dance.
Known for modernizing Kathak while maintaining its traditional roots, Lakhia was widely celebrated not only as a performer but also as a mentor who shaped future generations of artists.