Published on 08:00 PM, January 21, 2016

Legendary Indian dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai dies

Sarabhai was passionate about Bharatnatyam and Kathakali dance forms. Photo: BBC/ PARTHIV SHAH

Legendary classical dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai has died at the age of 97 in the western Indian state of Gujarat.

She was being treated in a hospital in Ahmedabad city for an infection.

Her daughter Mallika Sarabhai confirmed the news on Thursday on her Facebook page, saying "her mother has just left for her eternal dance".

Mrinalini Sarabhai promoted many Indian dance forms. Photo: BBC/ PARTHIV SHAH

Mrinalini Sarabhai founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad and trained thousands in Indian classical dance forms.

She was passionate about Bharatnatyam and Kathakali dance forms.

Her daughter Mallika is also a celebrated classical Indian dancer.

Meanwhile, many have taken to Twitter to pay their tributes to the iconic artist.