Internationally renowned folk dance artist Ram Sahay Panday, who popularized Bundelkhand’s traditional Rai dance, died early Tuesday in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district. He was 92 years old and a recipient of the Padma Shri. His family said he had been fighting a prolonged illness.
He died in a Sagar hospital, where he also resided. Panday was hailed far and wide for blending the Rai folk dance with the rhythm of the Mridangam, in the process of helping the local art form gain popularity across the globe over a span of more than six decades.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav remembered the deceased artist, crediting his unparalleled achievements in the genre of folk art. “Ram Sahay chose the field of art under challenging conditions and had numerous accomplishments by pursuing his passion against the flow,” said the CM.
The chief minister added that Panday played a pivotal role in introducing the Rai folk dance of Bundelkhand on national as well as international platforms.
During his glorious career, Panday acted in over 100 productions in 18 nations, according to family sources. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2022, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, for his contribution to Indian folk art.
He leaves behind his wife and son.
