Eminent Kuchipudi Exponent Padma Shri Sobha Naidu Passes Away In Hyderabad

Well-known Kuchipudi performer Sobha Naidu, 64, passed away at 1 am on Wednesday in a private hospital in Hyderabad. Naidu, the Kuchipudi exponent was unwell and was undergoing treatment for the same. She was in her sixties.

As per reports she was suffering from neurological problems for a long time.

Naidu received various accolades throughout her life as a Kuchipudi performer. In 2001 she received Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the Republic of India.

After the news of her death, social media platforms quickly filled up with condolence messages for the eminent classical dancer. Dr Subhash Bhamre, Lok Sabha MLA wrote, "Deeply pained to hear about the sad demise of Dr Sobha Naidu, an eminent Kuchipudi dancer. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family."

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Deeply pained to hear about the sad demise of Dr Sobha Naidu, an eminent Kuchipudi dancer. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. #SobhaNaidu pic.twitter.com/KrSyHY7NTs

— Dr. Subhash Bhamre (@DrSubhashMoS) October 14, 2020

Famous Indian classical dancer Sonal Mansingh too expressed her grief on Twitter, "Deepest condolences to India’s dance fraternity on sad demise of the eminent Kuchipudi dancer-Guru Padmashri Smt. Sobha Naidu. May har dancing rejoice the Divine in Heaven. Peace be on her Soul."

Deepest condolences to India’s dance fraternity on sad demise of the eminent Kuchipudi dancer-Guru Padmashri Smt. Sobha Naidu. May har dancing rejoice the Divine in Heaven. Peace be on her Soul. pic.twitter.com/30AiVxM9sL

— Sonal Mansingh (@sonal_mansingh) October 14, 2020

What You Should Know

• Sobha Naidu passed away on 14 October 2020 in a private hospital in Hyderabad.
• She was a renowned Kuchipudi performer.
• In 2001 Sobha Naidu received Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India.

Who was Sobha Naidu?

Sobha Naidu was a renowned Kuchipudi performer. She was a disciple of the reverend master Vempati Chinna Satyam. Naidu was awarded Padma Shri in 2001, the coveted title of Nritya Choodamani award in 1982 and Late Sri N T Rama Rao award in 1998 among many.

To her credit, she has presentations and choreographies of Sri Krishna Saranam Mama, Vijayosthuthe Naari, Ksheera Saagara Madhanam, of the Ballets Vipranarayana, Kalyana Srinivasa and many more.

Naidu's performances won appraisals not only in India but also in the hinterland and across the globe. She has performed in USA, U.K., Syria, Turkey, Baghdad, Kampuchea, Turkey, Hong Kong and Bangkok. As a Guru she has trained students from India and abroad. She has been an inspiration and a motivator for many.

Her husband Arjun Rao is a retired IAS officer.

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Sanskriti Tiwari is an intern with SheThePeople.TV