MUMBAI: Renowned Mohiniattam dancer and Padma Bhushan awardee Kanak Rele breathed her last at age 85 after suffering cardiac arrest on Wednesday. She was awarded a state funeral at Vile Parle crematorium.
She had an illustrious career spanning 60 years and was founder-director of The Nalanda Dance Research Centre in Juhu. Born in Gujarat on June 11, 1937, Rele began her journey in dance at a young age and went on to break the glass ceiling with her interest in the male-dominated field of Kathakali. Mohiniattam became her calling card subsequently. In 1973, she formed Nalanda Institute. In 2013, Rele was conferred Padma Bhushan, before that the Padma Shri.
She had an illustrious career spanning 60 years and was founder-director of The Nalanda Dance Research Centre in Juhu. Born in Gujarat on June 11, 1937, Rele began her journey in dance at a young age and went on to break the glass ceiling with her interest in the male-dominated field of Kathakali. Mohiniattam became her calling card subsequently. In 1973, she formed Nalanda Institute. In 2013, Rele was conferred Padma Bhushan, before that the Padma Shri.
Actor Hema Malini expressed shock at Rele’s death. Maharashtra governor Ramesh Bais too offered his condolence.
