Noted folk dancer Ram Sahay Panday dies; CM Yadav expresses grief

Padma Shri winner Ram Sahay Panday has delivered more than 100 performances in 18 countries. Photo: X/@INCMP

Internationally renowned folk dance artist Ram Sahay Panday, a Padma Shri recipient, died in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district early on Tuesday (April 8, 2025) following a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 92.

The veteran ‘Rai’ folk artist breathed his last at a hospital in Sagar, the sources said.

The artist from Bundelkhand popularised the Rai folk dance for 60 years, mixing it with tunes of ‘Mridangam’.

Panday, a resident of Sagar district, had delivered more than 100 performances in 18 countries, according to sources. The artist received Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2022.

He is survived by his wife and a son.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over Panday’s demise. Mr. Yadav said Panday adopted the field of art in adverse circumstances and had many achievements by following his passion against the tide.

“He got recognition for the Rai folk dance of Bundelkhand in India as well as other countries,” Mr. Yadav added.