Bihar

• 09 Sep 2022

Famous Folk Artist Padmashree Ramchandra Manjhi Passes Away

Why In News?

• On September 7, 2022, renowned folk artist and Padma Shri awardee Ramchandra Manjhi from Saran district of Bihar passed away at the age of 96 at IGIMS Hospital in Patna.

Key Points

• Ramchandra Manjhi, who received the Padma Shri award, was famous for 'Launda Naach'. Manjhi has been an associate of Bhikhari Thakur, who is called Shakespeare of Bhojpuri. Manjhi, who rose to international fame with launda naach, was a member of the naach troupe for 30 years.
• Along with Panshree, he also got the honor of Launda Naach. Apart from this, many other awards including Sangeet Natak Akademi were honored. He gave a different identity to the folk culture of Bihar.
• Significantly, 'Launda Nach' of Bihar is one of the old and very famous folk dances of Bihar. In this, the boy dances like a girl wearing makeup and clothes. People organize launda dance on any auspicious occasion. At present, this folk dance has been marginalized from among the society. There are only a few launda dance troupes left, which are keeping this genre alive.