| Kanak Rele was a prominent Indian classical dancer, educator, and choreographer. |
| She is credited with popularizing Mohiniyattam, a traditional dance form from Kerala. |
| She passed away on February 22, 2023, at the age of 85, in Mumbai. |
| At just 10 months old, she experienced the loss of her father. |
| Moving to Shantiniketan in West Bengal at age 5, Kanak Rele began her journey in music and dance. |
| Diagnosed with polio at 10, she overcame it through dedicated dance practice. |
| During her time in Shantiniketan, she often glimpsed Rabindranath Tagore but never interacted with him. |
| She mastered various Indian classical dance styles like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. |
| Initially pursuing medicine at her family's request, she later prioritized dance over studies. |
| Introduced to Mohiniyattam by her Kathakali teacher, she found it a natural fit due to her strong foundation. |
| In 1967, she founded the Nalanda Dance Academy in Mumbai. |
| In 1972, she established the Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, the first dance college affiliated with Mumbai University. |
| She earned a pioneering PhD in dance in 1977, though faced skepticism about its legitimacy. |
| Releasing books on Mohiniyattam, including 'Mohini Attam – The Lyrical Dance' and 'Bhaava Niroopanna.' |
| Her biography 'Me & My Mohini Attam' was published in 2022. |
| Known for modernizing mythological tales in her performances and portraying strong female roles. |
| She was actively involved with reputable institutions such as the University of Mumbai and the Government of India. |
| Passing away due to cardiac arrest on February 22, 2023, in a Mumbai hospital. |
