Noted Indian dancer-choreographer Amala Shankar dies at age 101

Eminent danseuse and choreographer Amala Shankar, who played a key role in taking Indian dance forms to the world, died of cardiac arrest in sleep at her residence in Kolkata today at the age of 101, her family said.

Born in Jashore in 1919 as Amala Nandi, Amala Shankar, the wife of legendary dancer-choreographer Uday Shankar and sister-in-law of sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, was suffering from age-related ailments, reports our New Delhi correspondent quoting family sources.

"Today my 'Thamma' left us at the age of 101. We celebrated her birthday last month. Feeling so restless that there is no flight from Mumbai to Kolkata. Heartbroken, May her soul Rest in peace," her granddaughter and dancer Sreenanda Shankar wrote on Facebook.

Amala Shankar, who had been active even in her early 90s, was awarded the Banga Bibhusan by West Bengal government in 2011 for her contribution in the field of arts.

In a condolence message, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her death caused irreparable void in the world of dance.

Amala Shankar, along with Uday Shankar, played a key role in taking Indian dance forms beyond the borders while modernising it with elaborate choreography and costumes.

Amala came from a merchant family which had nurtured keen interest in education and arts.

A chance meeting with Uday Shankar took place in France in 1930 when 11-year-old Amala had accompanied her father, Akshay Nandi, at the International Colonial Exhibition in Paris. Uday Shankar was there at time with his dance troupe.

Amala and Uday Shankar got married in 1942 and had two children—Ananda Shankar who became a well-known composer-dancer and daughter Mamata Shankar became an accomplished actress and danseuse.

Amala essayed the lead role in the 1948 film 'Kalpana' by Uday Shankar about a young dancer's dreams of setting up a dance academy. She also graced the red carpet at prestigious Cannes Film Festival.