Rai Dance Pioneer and Padma Shri Awardee Ram Sahay Pandey Dies at 97

The celebrated artist, who transformed a stigmatized folk dance into a revered cultural art form, passed away following a battle with prostate cancer.

• Ram Sahay Pandey, a renowned Rai dance master and Padma Shri recipient, passed away at the age of 97 in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, on April 8, 2025.
• Pandey had been battling prostate cancer and was admitted to a hospital three days prior to his death after his condition worsened.
• Born into a Brahmin family, Pandey faced societal and familial opposition while dedicating his life to practicing and elevating the Rai dance, traditionally associated with the marginalized Bedia community.
• In 2022, he was honored with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India for his significant contributions to the arts and cultural preservation.
• Pandey delivered his final public performance on February 20, 2024, at the Bharat Bhavan Foundation Day event, where he was lauded as a cultural icon synonymous with the Rai dance.

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