Kathak dancer and guru Mangala Bhatt (62) passed away on Monday. She died at 12 pm at a hospital in Hyderabad. The news came as a shock to her fans, fellow dancers, family, and friends, who expressed their grief and remembered her contributions to the world of dance.

Mangala, along with her husband Raghav Raj Bhatt, founded Aakruti Kathak
Kendra in Hyderabad in 1990. The institute has trained thousands of students in Kathak over the years. In recognition of their contribution to Kathak, both were honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2019.

“It is a huge loss as she promoted Kathak in Hyderabad for so many years. We worked together on many collaborations and had met just last month at a dance workshop in IIT Hyderabad. She was a strong lady. I pray that God gives strength to her family and students.”

“My deepest condolences. Mangala ji was a wonderful dancer and choreographer who took Kathak to new heights. Her passing is a great loss to the fraternity.”