People

S’pore Dance Pioneer Santha Bhaskar Passes Away, Tributes Pour In For Multicultural Icon

Pioneer Of Indian Dance In Singapore Santha Bhaskar Passes Away Aged 82

The local dance scene in Singapore, while small, has seen quite a few pioneers and icons pass through it. Therefore, it was a source of great heartbreak when one of the biggest multicultural dance icons in Singapore, Santha Bhaskar, passed away on Saturday (26 Feb).

Affectionately remembered as ‘Aunty Bhaskar’ among her students, Mrs Bhaskar was the artistic director and chief choreographer of Bhaskar Arts Academy. The academy’s official Facebook page shared news of her passing on Sunday (27 Feb).

Source

Following the news, tributes from Singaporeans from all walks of life started pouring in, mourning the loss of a great multicultural icon in the local dance scene.

Mrs Bhaskar leaves behind 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Santha Bhaskar passes away on 26 Feb

On Sunday (27 Feb), Bhaskar’s Arts Academy announced the sudden passing of Mrs Santha Bhaskar on their official Facebook page.

Source

Her passing appeared to have come as a shock to them too, as they wrote, “We are still processing this sudden and unexpected loss.”

The Straits Times (ST) reported that Mrs Bhaskar was at the Academy’s 70th anniversary and the second evening of Sangeetha Sapthathi just recently on 26 Feb.

She fell ill later the same day and was consequently rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

 

According to parents and students attending the show, Mrs Bhaskar passed away during the first song of the evening.

Bhaskar was a pioneer of local dance

Mrs Bhaskar is one of the biggest pioneers of the local dance scene in Singapore. In 1952, she founded the Bhaskar Arts Academy alongside her husband K P Bhaskar.

Since then, she has accumulated many accolades including the prestigious Cultural Medallion in 1990 and the Public Service Star in 2016. Her work is also widely celebrated.

In 2021, Mrs Bhaskar was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, and given a place in the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame.

News of Mrs Bhaskar’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from various prominent figures in the local community. Among them is PM Lee, who penned a touching tribute yesterday (28 Feb).

Source

Tributes have also come in from students, who fondly recall ‘Aunty Bhaskar’s’ warm spirit and vivacious disposition.

Vidhya Nair, director of local dance company Apsara Arts and a former student of Mrs Bhaskar, wrote on her Facebook page, “As Singaporeans, we should be proud to look back on her (Mrs Bhaskar’s) life and work.”

Her legacy continues to live on

Mrs Santha Bhaskar’s passing has left the local arts community shocked and in mourning.

A multicultural icon, she not only paved the way for Indian dance but also pioneered the path forward for other dance forms.

In addition, her positive and bright disposition touched the lives of both her peers and students. She was one of a kind, and she will be sorely missed.

Be that as it may, we can be certain that her work and legacy will continue to live on in the local dance community.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from the Ministry of Health.

Sudeshna Dhar

Sudeshna is a lover of all romcoms, especially Gone Girl (2014).

Recent Posts

4 winners split S$13M TOTO jackpot on 14 Nov, 1 winning ticket bought from Tong Aik Huat again

Tong Aik Huat also sold a winning ticket for the 21 Oct draw.

15 Nov 2024, 1:39 am

Online model seller in Japan scammed by buyer who returned different kit with pieces cut out

The seller was soured by the experience with Mercari, saying the platform only provided compensation…

14 Nov 2024, 6:57 pm

Woman in Indonesia steals formula milk by placing them between thighs

The woman walked away naturally despite the boxes between her thighs.

14 Nov 2024, 6:20 pm

Leopard in Thailand caught wriggling on zoo visitor’s pickup truck, netizens joke driver should bring it home

The leopard reportedly jumped off the truck once it saw zoo staff approaching.

14 Nov 2024, 5:53 pm

Motorist in M’sia crushed to death after container falls from trailer, lorry driver arrested

The trailer driver made a V sign for the media while being escorted to the…

14 Nov 2024, 5:42 pm