Eminent dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai dies at 97

Ahmedabad, January 21

Legendary danseuse and cultural doyen Mrinalini Sarabhai, who was also a Padma Bhushan awardee, died on Thursday at a hospital here following age-related complications, her son said. She was 97.

Fondly known as 'Amma', Mrinalini Sarabhai was admitted to a city hospital on Wednesday morning after she fell ill.

Her son and scientist Kartikeya Sarabhai said: "She (Mrinalini) had an infection which led to the deterioration of her health." Born on May 11, 1918, she was married to Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of India's space science programme.

She was the founder director of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, an institute for imparting training in dance, drama, music and puppetry.

Her daughter Mallika too is a celebrated classical dancer.

Mrinalini Sarabhai had received many distinguished awards and citations in recognition of her contribution to art. She had trained over 18,000 students in Bharatnatyam and Kathakali. — IANS