New Delhi, 21 March (H.S.):

Celebrated Odissi dancer and guru Mayadhar Raut's daughter Madhumita Raut passed away from a heart attack at a private hospital here Saturday morning. She was 59.

Her family confirmed the news. Madhumita began learning dance at a young age and served as director of the Jayantika-Mayadhar Raut School of Odissi Dance in Delhi training the next generation.

She made history as the first Odissi artist to perform at a temple in the Netherlands setting a record. Through her creative vision and dedication to keeping classical dance vibrant and relevant Madhumita inspired dancers worldwide.

Her efforts promoting Odissi internationally earned her Bharat Nirman (1997) and Odisha Living Legend (2011) awards.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar