Kumudini Lakhia, a pioneering Kathak dancer and choreographer, passed away on April 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad at the age of 94.

• Fondly known as Kumudiniben, she was instrumental in transforming Kathak into a contemporary art form.
• Her innovative approach and dedication to the dance form have left an indelible mark on Indian classical dance.?
• Born on May 17, 1930 in Bombay as Kumudini Jaykar, Lakhia’s journey began early, twirling to film songs as a child under the encouragement of mother Leela, a classical singer.
• At seven, she plunged into Kathak, training under luminaries such as Sohanlal of the Bikaner gharana, Ashiq Hussain of Benaras and Sunder Prasad of Jaipur.
• She was honoured with the Padma Shri (1987), Padma Bhushan (2010) and Padma Vibhushan (2025), India’s second-highest civilian honour, conferred just months before her passing.