Dr Sunil Kothari (20 December 1933—27 December 2020)
“That is your legacy on this Earth when you leave this Earth: how many hearts you touched.” ~ Patti Davis
We at The Dance India are deeply saddened by the demise of Dr Sunil Kothari Ji, the most renowned and celebrated Indian Cultural Critic of all time. Dr Sunil has left a great legacy with his work and his absence will be gravely felt.
We at The Dance India were fortunate to have him on board as a regular contributor. Through his works, he has captured the imagination of art and culture aficionados not only in India but all over the world. His works on different Indian classical dance forms would be a monumental resource for posterity.
He received Padma Shri award in 2001; Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1995; Kumar Chandrak in 1961, and Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 2012. Many awards and accolades adorned him during his lifetime as a Chartered accountant, Professor and Writer.
He has written 12 books on different Indian classical dance and allied art-forms. Bharata Natyam: Indian Classical Dance Art.
Odissi: Indian Classical Dance Art
Rasa: The Indian Performing Arts in the Last 25 Years
Kuchipudi: Indian Classical Dance Art
Photo Biography of Rukmini Devi
Kathak: Indian Classical Dance Art
New Directions In Indian Dance
Chhau Dances of India
Damaru: Essays on Classical Dance, Music, Performing Arts, Folk Dances, Rituals, Crafts
Dr. Sunil Kothari breathed his last at the Fortis hospital in Delhi on 27 December 2020 around 9:15 AM.
May his soul rest in peace.
Vikram Kumar BR,
Editor In Chief
