Mysore/Mysuru: Danseuse Uma Rao (69) of Bellur Sisters-fame passed away yesterday evening at her residence in Saraswathipuram.

Daughter of late Rtn. B.S.S. Rao, she leaves behind sisters Radha Tandaveshwar, Varalakshmi and Gayathri, brother D.S. Ramachandra and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at the foot of Chamundi Hill this afternoon, according to family sources.

Born in Bellur, Mandya district in the family of poet laureate late B.M. Sree, Uma Rao excelled in Kathak from Gandharva Mahavidyala, New Delhi, at the age of 10, under the guidance of Prof. Teertharam Azad.

Uma also acted in Hollywood movie ‘Maya’ produced by Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), which took her on the world map.

She later took up classical dance under the tutelage and guidance of Padma Vibhushan late Rukmini Devi. She completed her Post Graduation in Bharathanatyam with first class followed by her Arangetram in 1972 from Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts, Madras (Chennai).

Uma joined Singapore Indian Fine Arts as Head of Bharathanatyam wing and created an unparalleled history in the Singapore art scene during her stay of over three years.