Yamini Krishnamurti, legendary Indian classical dancer, died today at Delhi's Apollo Hospital aged 83.
Yamini Krishnamurti, legendary Indian classical dancer, died today at Delhi’s Apollo Hospital aged 83. A leading Bharatanatyam exponent and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellow, and also a Padma Vibhushan Awardee, is celebrated for her mastery in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
Mourning her death, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that he is deeply saddened to know that the proud dancer of India, Padmavibhushan Yamini Krishnamurthy has breathed her last at Delhi’s Apollo Hospital. “Born in Madanapalle in 1940, she worked as a court dancer in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanas. She is proficient in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi dances. It was Yamini Krishnamurthy who made Kuchipudi dance famous in the country and abroad. No one can fill the gap without her in the field of dance. May that god rest her soul in peace” he added.
భారత దేశం గర్వించదగిన నృత్యకారిణి, పద్మవిభూషణ్ యామినీ కృష్ణమూర్తి ఢిల్లీ అపోలో ఆసుపత్రిలో తుది శ్వాస విడిచారని తెలిసి తీవ్రమైన ఆవేదన చెందాను. 1940లో మదనపల్లెలో జన్మించిన ఆమె తిరుమల తిరుపతి దేవస్థానాల ఆస్థాన నర్తకిగా పని చేశారు. భరతనాట్యం, కూచిపూడి, ఒడిస్సీ నృత్యాలలో ఆమె… pic.twitter.com/t5K6qiGHO5
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 3, 2024
Classical dance exponent Sonal Mansingh said she got the sad news of the passing away of India’s great dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy, Padmabhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee. “She blazed like a meteor across the sky, the firmament of the Indian dance art. She was my senior. We all looked up to her,” Mansingh said.
Just got the sad news of the passing away of India’s great dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy, Padmabhushan & Padma Vibhushan awardee. She blazed like a meteor across the sky, the firmament of the Indian dance art. She was my senior. We all looked up to her. #YaminiKrishnamurthy pic.twitter.com/2QKbhdXSo0
— Sonal Mansingh (@sonal_mansingh) August 3, 2024
Born in 1940 in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, she was introduced to dance at a young age. Her formal training began under the tutelage of Guru Rukmini Devi Arundale at Kalakshetra, one of India’s most prestigious dance schools.
Yamini quickly emerged as a prodigious talent, captivating audiences with her expressive abhinaya (facial expressions) and intricate footwork. Her performances have been marked by a deep understanding of rhythm, grace, and a strong connection to the spiritual essence of Indian classical dance. She has performed extensively in India and internationally, earning accolades for her contributions to preserving and promoting these ancient art forms.
Throughout her career, Yamini Krishnamurti has been honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, among India’s highest civilian honors. She has also served as a mentor to many aspiring dancers, passing on her knowledge and passion for the arts.
