Born on May 17, 1930, Kumudini Jayakar-Lakhia learnt Kathak from many distinguished gurus like Pt.Sohanlal, Shambhu and Birju Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana; Pandit Sunder Prasad and Radhe Lal of the Jaipur gharana and Ustad Ashiq Hussain of the Benaras gharana. Despite varied schools (gharanas), she charted an independent and individual course which is known for fine technique and high aesthetics.
Bombay was where she was in her early years as Kumudini Jayakar. She was an upcoming dancer when Damayanti Joshi, Roshan Kumari and Sitara Devi ruled the roost. She came to the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra in the mid-fifties and took stellar roles in its initial productions of Kathak such as 'Malati Madhav' and 'Kumar Sambhava'. She impressed with her work and her teaming with Birju Maharaj led to a successful dance partnership. Her association with the Kendra continued for many years.
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Thank you for sharing such an informative article,the young generation would know about one of the great contributors to Kathak ,Kumudini Lakhia ji ,a visionary Kathak guru and dancer, choreographer transformed the art with her innovative spirit, leaving an indelible legacy. Her passing on April 12, 2025, marks the end of an era, but her rhythms will echo through generations.Great respects and Pranam 🙏🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteSo aptly portrayed her charisma 🙏best dancer with best voice and mind gone forever. Gods will dance straight now. May the departed soul attain nirvana 🙏
ReplyDeleteThis is such a neat and crisp write up on the life and times of a Dancer-Guru whose work always reflected just that - neat lines, dynamic structure, courage of conviction, graceful execution of innovative and powerful imagination…. reading this article transforms the sense of loss into a celebration of a life that was a dance through the sand dunes of time.
ReplyDeleteAum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi 🙏
A befitting tribute to one of the most dynamic dancers!
ReplyDeleteNamaste. The pioneer and the doyen of Kathak dance form passes away to the heavenly world leaving behind such rich legacy, heritage, and standards truly worthy of emulation. It does no harm to reflect how the country's commoners are not aware of some of the most revered giants from the performing arts milieu. Yes, most of us know so much about the film industry and the Indian obsession with cricket per se. No faulting that though. However, adequate attention and apt recognition to stalwart performers like Smt. Kumudini Lakhia could have done no harm either. This is where Shri. Ashish Khokarji's relentless pursuit in spreading the awareness about such wonderfully mesmerising divine art forms of India comes to the fore. Fortunate we must feel to have someone fully dedicated to spread the same with such panache and aplomb. A heartfelt gratitude for that. Lastly, may the departed soul find better purpose again. RIP Kumudiniben!
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