Kanaka Raju (1940/1941 – 25 October 2024) was an Indian Gussadi dancer. In 2021, he received the Padma Shri award from the Indian government for his contribution to the arts.[1][2]
Kanaka Raju | |
|---|---|
 Raju in 2021 | |
| Born | 1940/1941 Marlavai, Hyderabad State, India |
| Died | (aged 83) Marlavai, Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Gussadi dancer |
| Awards | Padma Shri, 2021 |
Background
editRaju was from Marlavai village, Jainoor, in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.[3] He died on 25 October 2024, at the age of 83.[4]
Career
editRaju has been teaching Gussadi dance for more than forty years. In 1981, he performed in the Republic Day parade.[5] He was chief dance master of Kanaka Raju School of Gusadi dance.[1]
Death
editRaju died due to age-related issues on 25 October 2024, at the age of 84.[6][7] He is survived by his wife, eight daughters, and four sons.[8]
Awards
edit- Padma Shri in 2021[9]
References
edit- ^ a b Rao, Ch Sushil (5 April 2022). "Kanakaraju: Telangana: Padma Shri winner Kanaka Raju is now chief dance master for tribal folk art school". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ "Telangana's Padma Shri awardee can barely eke out a living as a cook". Hindustan Times. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ "Meet Padma Shri winner Kanaka Raju who preserves the Gusadi dance tradition". The News Minute. 20 February 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ Gussadi maestro Kanaka Raju passes away at 83
- ^ "Padma Shrifor Telangana artiste Kanaka Raju – The New Indian Express". www.newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ "Gussadi dance maestro Kanaka Raju passes away". 26 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ The Times of India (25 October 2024). "Gussadi dance exponent Kanaka Raju passes away". Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ Telangana Today (26 October 2024). "Funeral of Padma Shri awardee Kanaka Raju held with State honors in Asifabad". Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Kanaka Raju, a true ambassador of Ghusadi dance form". Telangana Today. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2022.