'Era of grace ended with Mrinalini's death'

President Pranab Mukherjee, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Bharatnatyam exponent Geeta Chandran were among a host of personalities who condoled the death of noted classical dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai, calling her an epitome of "grace" and "beauty".
Popularly known as "Amma", Sarabhai passed away in Ahmedabad due to age-related problems at the age of 97.
"With the passing of the legendary Mrinalini Sarabhai an era of inordinate grace, humane-ness and beauty has ended. Also, a page of history has turned in the annals of Indian classical dance. RIP Amma," Chandran posted on Facebook.
Sarabhai, a Padma Bhushan recipient, was admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad yesterday, but was brought to her home early today morning where she breathed her last.

Paying tribute to the dancer, Khan wrote, "Veteran danseuse Mrinalini Sarabhai passed away this morning at -#Ahmedabad. Great loss."
President Mukherjee also condoled the death of the veteran dancer.

"Demise of Mrinalini Sarabhai leaves a void in world of creativity & performing arts which will be difficult to fill," he said.
Born into the renowned Swaminadhan family of Chennai with roots in Kerala, Sarabhai, an exponent of classical dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, was awarded Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree, apart from various other awards for her contribution to the field of dance.
She had studied under the guidance of Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan. After a brief stint with American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Sarabhai returned to India and began training in Bharatanatyam.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Condolences to family and friends of Mrinalini Sarabhai who passed away today. She was a true pioneer in dance.