Iconic Classical Dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy Passes Away

On August 3, 2024, India lost one of its most revered classical dancers, Yamini Krishnamurthy, who passed away at the age of 83 at Apollo hospital in New Delhi. Known for her mastery over Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, Krishnamurthy was a luminary who helped elevate Indian classical dance to the global stage.

Early Life and Training

Childhood and Formative Years

Born on December 20, 1940, in Madanapalli, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Yamini Krishnamurthy was the daughter of Sanskrit scholar M. Krishnamurti. Her journey in dance began at the tender age of five when she joined the prestigious Kalakshetra School of Dance in Chennai. Here, she trained under the legendary Bharatanatyam dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale.

Expanding Horizons

Krishnamurthy’s passion for dance led her to explore multiple classical forms:

• She became proficient in Kuchipudi, learning from masters like Vedantam Lakshmi Narayana Sastry, Pasumarthi Venu Gopal Sharma, Chinta Krishnamurthy, and Vedantam Satyanarayana Sharma.
• Her pursuit of Odissi saw her train under renowned gurus Pankaj Charan Das and Kelucharan Mohapatra.
• Beyond dance, she also received training in Carnatic vocals and the veena, showcasing her multifaceted artistic abilities.

Career and Achievements

Early Recognition

Krishnamurthy’s talent was recognized early in her career. At the young age of 17, she gave her first solo performance in 1957, marking the beginning of a illustrious journey.

Awards and Honors

Her contributions to Indian classical dance were acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards:

• Padma Shri in 1968, at the age of 28
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1977
• Padma Bhushan in 2001
• Padma Vibhushan in 2016

Artistic Style and Impact

Krishnamurthy was renowned for her:

• Elegant stage presence
• Sculpture-like stance
• Expressive eyes
• Ability to bring “power, beauty, and glamour” to Bharatanatyam, as noted by her student Rama Vaidyanathan

Legacy and Tributes

Contribution to Dance

Veteran dancer Rama Vaidyanathan emphasized Krishnamurthy’s dedication, stating that she was “haunted by the dance inside her.” This passion was evident in her tireless efforts to perfect her art, even composing during late-night train journeys.

Tributes from Dignitaries

• Former Rajya Sabha MP and Bharatanatyam dancer Sonal Mansingh described Krishnamurthy as blazing “like a meteor across the sky.”
• Political leaders including Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed their condolences.

Remembrances from the Dance Community

• Kuchipudi couple Raja and Radha Reddy stated that Krishnamurthy had “attained the moksham at the feet of Nataraja.”
• Bharatanatyam exponent Jayalakshmi Eshwar praised Krishnamurthy’s role in globalizing the dance form and her affectionate nature.

Final Days and Arrangements

Krishnamurthy had been suffering from age-related issues and was in the ICU for seven months before her passing. Her mortal remains were to be brought to her institute, the Yamini School of Dance at Hauz Khas, on August 4, with final rites to be determined.