Indian classical dancer and Padma Bhushan awardee Mrinalini Sarabhai, fondly called Amma, died on Thursday, her daughter Mallika Sarabhai said. She was 97.
"My mother Mrinalini Sarabhai has just left for her eternal dance," Mallika posted on her Facebook page.
Mrinalini breathed her last on Thursday morning in an Ahmedabad hospital, where she was admitted for age related health issues. She was admitted to the city-based hospital on Wednesday morning, The Times of India reported.
Mrinalini was married to physicist Vikram Sarabhai and has a son Kartikeya and daughter Mallika.
Mrinalini was born in Kerala and was trained in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. In 1942, she got married to Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the Father of the Indian Space Program. In 1948, she started Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad and over 18,000 students have graduated from Darpana in Bharatnatyam and Kathakali, DNA reported.
In her career, Mrinalini has not only choreographed more than 300 dance dramas, but has also written novels and poetry. In 1965, she was awarded Padma Shri, while in 1992, she was awarded Padma Bhushan.
Meanwhile, fans, politicians and admirers of Mrinalini took to social media to express their grief.
Mamata Banerjee: Condolences to family and friends of Mrinalini Sarabhai who passed away today. She was a true pioneer in dance
Ahmed Patel: Pained to hear about the passing away of Mrinalini Sarabhai. She played a vital role in popularization of Indian arts. It is a great loss!
