Legendary Bharatanatyam artiste Kumari Kamala dies at 91
25 Nov 2025

Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Kamala Lakshminarayanan, popularly known as Baby Kamala and later Kumari Kamala, died in California recently. She was 91.

One of the last surviving links to the era when Sadir became Bharatanatyam and was reestablished as a classical art form on public platforms, her demise marks a significant loss for the world of Indian classical dance.

Kamala's legacy in Bharatanatyam
Career highlights

Kamala was a disciple of Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai, who shaped her into a master of the ornate and lyrical Vazhuvur bani style for over 50 years.

Her dance was known for its clarity, fluidity, and finish.

She extensively toured the world before settling in the US, where she continued to promote and teach Bharatanatyam.

Kamala's enduring legacy and accolades
Recognition

Kamala's contribution to Bharatanatyam was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the US National Heritage Fellowship.

Ministry of Culture paid tribute to her on Instagram. They wrote, "A child prodigy, she dedicated over seven decades of her life to the propagation of the dance form."

"For her immense contribution to the field of performing arts, she was honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1968 and Padma Bhushan in 1970."