The sudden demise of Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj has undoubtedly left a vacuum in the dance and music industry.
Behind every successful person, there are unfailing efforts of teachers. Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj played the role of that guru in actor Madhuri Dixit Nene’s life.
After learning about the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj, Madhuri, on Monday, took to Twitter and opened up about her relationship with him. "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 at his funny anecdotes," she wrote.
"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," she added.
Alongside the note, Madhuri posted a throwback picture of her doing mukhdas with Pandit Birju Maharaj. For the unversed, Pandit Birju Maharaj, who breathed his last on Monday, had worked with Madhuri in films like ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’, ‘Devdas’ and ‘Dedh Ishqiya.’
The sudden demise of Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj has undoubtedly left a vacuum in the dance and music industry. After learning about the unfortunate news, veteran actor Hema Malini also penned an emotional note, saying she will miss Birju Maharaj’s presence on the firmament of dance.
"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 & will miss his presence on the firmament of dance," Hema, who is also a trained classical dancer, tweeted.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, too, remembered Birju Maharaj, who passed away on Monday at the age of 83. Taking to Instagram, he uploaded a video to remember the Kathak legend from his days at the National School of Drama. He also talked about how he would try to understand his facial expressions as his "delicate details of acting were amazing".
"He (Birju Maharaj) used to tell me , ‘teri aankho me bahut shararat hai. (there is a lot of naughtiness in your eyes),’" Anupam said in the clip.
Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the Maharaj family of Kathak dancers. He trained under his father and guru Acchan Maharaj and uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj.
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 "Credit: Madhuri Dixit/Instagram")
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