Nation mourns the loss of Yamini Krishnamurti, a trailblazing Indian classical dancer
The world of Indian classical dance mourns the loss of a true icon, Yamini Krishnamurti, who passed away at 83 in Delhi’s Apollo Hospital after a prolonged illness. Known as a pioneer in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, with equal mastery in Odissi, Krishnamurti leaves behind a legacy that has inspired generations of dancers.
The news of her passing has sent ripples of shock and sorrow throughout the dance community. Her departure leaves an irreplaceable void, felt keenly by fellow artists, students, and countless admirers who were touched by her artistry over the decades.
“She’s the reason why I am dancing,” reveals Geeta Chandran, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, She recalls Krishnamurti’s lively stage presence. “She was electrifying. She was iconic. I mean, anybody who saw her dance could never forget it,” Chandran reminisces. “The statement she made with her personal take on the dance and personally how the energy that she invested, that was just mind-blowing.”
Shinjini Kulkarni, granddaughter of Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj, echoes this sentiment.
“She had a bewitching personality on stage with her height and the dynamism with which she performed,” Kulkarni says. “I remember one of the speeches that she was giving and she said that, ‘I came on the stage with the intention of attacking like a tigress.’ And she did that every time.”
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