The demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj has left many celebs and dance lovers heart broken

Mona

A performer divine and a guru par excellence, Pandit Birju Maharaj was not just a Kathak virtuoso but also a classical vocalist, poet and painter who inspired artistes across the globe. As the Padma Vibhushan awardee breathed his last on Monday at the age of 83, it sent a pall of gloom all around. A recipient of National Film Award for Best Choreography for Unnai Kaanaathu (Vishwaroopam) in 2012 and Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for Mohe Rang Do Laal (Bajirao Mastani) in 2016, Maharaj had been associated with Bollywood on number on occasions. Right from Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khilari in which he composed, sang and choreographed, he also choreographed for films like Dil To Pagal Hai, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Devdas, Vishwaroop, Dedh Ishqiya, Bajirao Mastani, Jaanisar and more.

Kathak dancer Shobha Koser recalls Maharaj as a legendary dancer who contributed immensely to his gharana, Kalka-Bindadin of Lucknow, while keeping it traditional, “Some people are good performers, others are gurus. Pandit ji excelled in both. When he took on the stage, it was as if some divine power took over.”

Pracheen Kala Kendra had honoured Panditji with the 7th Guru Madan Lal Koser - Guru Shobha Koser Award in 2011.

Celebs pay tributes

The legend’s death has members of the film fraternity mourning as many took to their social media accounts to pay tributes. Kamal Haasan posted a throwback picture of himself along with the legend who had trained the actor for the song Unnai Kaanadhu Naan from Vishwaroopam.

Alia Bhatt, who had met Pandit Birju Maharaj before shooting for song Ghar More Pardesiya from Kalank shared a long post on her Instagram Story that read, “Had the honour and privilege of spending three full days with Pandit Birju Maharaj in 2018 while I was prepping for Ghar More Pardesiya. I will never forget all that he has taught me. It was possibly one of the most creative and fulfilling experiences that I have ever had. A legend who has inspired several and will always continue to do so through his art. Truly breaks my heart to write this post today. May his soul rest in peace.”

Hema Malini, who is also a trained classical dancer, tweeted, “The nation mourns the passing of a true legend Shri Birju Maharaj, Kathak exponent par excellence. His ghungroos were on his ankles till he breathed his last. I always admired and respected him as a giant of the medium of Kathak and will miss his presence on the firmament of dance.”

Madhuri Dixit penned a moving tribute for Pandit Birju Maharaj and wrote, “He was a legend but had a child-like innocence. He was my guru but also my friend. He taught me the intricacies of dance and abhinay but never failed to make me laugh with his funny anecdotes. He has left behind grieving fans and students but also left a legacy we will all carry forward. Thank you Maharajji for everything you taught me in dance along with humility, elegance and grace. Koti koti pranam #PanditBirjuMaharaj #Guruji #RIP.”

Anupam Kher posted a video sharing his memories of Pandit Birju Maharaj. He called watching him perform a ‘magical experience’. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai wrote in his tribute, “My first learning from Kathak dance maestro was in my college youth festival when he expressed a romantic conversation between Lord Krishna and Radha through his two eyes talking. I learnt dance means body, but soul is in the eyes. That’s why he was a Jagat guru in Kathak. RIP Birju Sir.”

Adnan Sami also tweeted, “Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of legendary Kathak dancer- Pandit Birju Maharaj ji. We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius.”

Kajol tweeted, “Pandit Birju Maharaj was a legend and an absolute wonder to watch... The world lost something priceless today. Rest In Peace, my deepest condolences to his family.” Janhvi Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday and Anushka Sharma took to their Instagram Stories and posted pictures of the legend.

Gems from Panditji

Pandit Birju Maharaj choreographed for couple of numbers for films, here are some of memorable ones:

• Saswati Sen in Kanha Main Tose Haari - Shatranj Ke Khilari
• Madhuri Dixit in Kahe Chhed Mohe in Devdas
• Kamal Haasan in Main Radha Tu Shaam in Vishwaroopam
• Madhuri Dixit Jagaave Saari Raina in Dedh Ishqiya
• Deepika Padukone in Mohe Rang Do Laal in Bajirao Mastani

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