It was Anna Pavlova, the legendary ballet dancer, who first suggested she learn dance. Rukmini Devi was in her late twenties then. Meenakshisundaram Pillai, her guru, was quite old so he would remain seated as he taught her.

Once she made up her mind to learn dance, she worked very hard. She began practising from seven in the morning till seven in the evening, with an hour's break for lunch. Still, her guru felt she was not working hard enough. Sometimes, he would call her again for training at night.

Initially, conservative Madras could not accept the fact that a Brahmin girl had taken up dancing. But her astounding performances converted them.

She also revolutionised many things connected with dance. She made the musicians sit on the side of the stage. She designed her own costumes.

Also see: Rani Mukerji's day out with jawans

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