The world of classical dance is in mourning following the passing of Mungara Yamini Krishnamurthy, a revered exponent of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Born on December 20, 1940, in Madanapalle, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Yamini Krishnamurthy was known for her exceptional skill and contributions to Indian classical dance.
Raised in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, Krishnamurthy began her
illustrious career with a debut performance in 1957 in Madras. Over the decades, she became a pivotal figure in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, two of India’s most cherished classical dance forms. Her role as an ambassador of Kuchipudi was particularly noteworthy, and she was honoured as the Asthana Nartaki at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), reflecting her significant role in preserving and promoting the dance forms.