Kolkata, 08 December (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday paid heartfelt tribute to legendary dancer and choreographer Uday Shankar on his birth anniversary. In a post shared on microblogging platform X, the Chief Minister remembered him as an unparalleled icon who reshaped the global perception of Indian dance.

Mamata Banerjee wrote that Uday Shankar’s contribution in taking modern Indian dance to the international stage remains unmatched. She added that his artistic legacy continues to inspire generations of performers across India and beyond, calling his birth anniversary a day of pride for Indian culture.

Uday Shankar, born on December 08, 1900, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is widely regarded as the father of modern Indian dance. His revolutionary approach blended elements of classical, folk, and tribal dance traditions with contemporary stage techniques. This innovative synthesis brought Indian dance a new identity and global recognition.

During the 1930s, Uday Shankar’s performances across Europe and the United States introduced global audiences to a modern yet deeply rooted expression of Indian art. His unique style and visionary productions played a pivotal role in establishing Indian dance on international platforms and continue to influence artists to this day.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh