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

Padma Shri champion Ram Sahay Panday has performed over 100 performances in 18 countries. Photo: X/@Incmp

Internationally renowned folk dance artist Ram Sahay Panday, the recipient of Padma Shri, died in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday (April 8, 2025), a family source said. He is 92 years old.

Sources say the veteran “Rai” folk artist breathed his last time at a hospital in Sagar.

Bundelkhand’s artists have promoted it in Rai Folk Dance for 60 years and mixed it with the music of “Mridangam”.

Sources said Panday, a resident of Sagar district, performed more than 100 performances in 18 countries. The artist won the fourth highest civilian award in the country in 2022, Padma Shri.

His wife and son survived.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over Panday’s demise. Mr Yadav said Panday adopted the art field in adverse circumstances and achieved many achievements through his passion for the tide.

Mr Yadav added: “He has been recognized for Rai folk dance in Bundelkhand, India and other countries.”