Created by SherleneGirardi
Last edited March 14, 2026



Kanaka Raju (1940/1941 – 25 October 2024) was an Indian Gussadi dancer. In 2021, he received the Padma Shri award from the Indian government for his contribution to the arts.[1][2]

Background

Raju was from Marlavai village, Jainoor, in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.[3] He died on 25 October 2024, at the age of 83.[4]

Career

Raju has been teaching Gussadi dance for more than forty years. In 1981, he performed in the Republic Day parade.[5] He was chief dance master of Kanaka Raju School of Gusadi dance.[1]

Death

Raju died due to age-related issues on 25 October 2024, at the age of 84.[6][7] He is survived by his wife, eight daughters, and four sons.[8]

Awards

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Kanakaraju: Telangana: Padma Shri winner Kanaka Raju is now chief dance master for tribal folk art school, Rao, Ch Sushil. The Times of India(5 April 2022). Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  2. Telangana's Padma Shri awardee can barely eke out a living as a cook. Hindustan Times(26 January 2021). Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  3. Meet Padma Shri winner Kanaka Raju who preserves the Gusadi dance tradition. The News Minute(20 February 2021). Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  4. Gussadi maestro Kanaka Raju passes away at 83
  5. Padma Shrifor Telangana artiste Kanaka Raju – The New Indian Express. www.newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  6. Gussadi dance maestro Kanaka Raju passes away(26 October 2024). Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  7. Gussadi dance exponent Kanaka Raju passes away(25 October 2024). Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  8. Funeral of Padma Shri awardee Kanaka Raju held with State honors in Asifabad(26 October 2024). Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  9. Kanaka Raju, a true ambassador of Ghusadi dance form. Telangana Today(28 January 2021). Retrieved 12 June 2022.