Pandit Birju Maharaj: Kathak legend’s top film choreographies

Pandit Birju Maharaj‘s contribution to India’s dance culture has traveled beyond the stage and has often landed on the screens. Multiple top Bollywood movies have taken contributions from the Kathak master. 

Here are some of the most notable contributions made by Pandit Birju Maharaj as a choreographer.

– ‘Mohe Rang Do Laal’ from ‘Bajirao Mastani’

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone reportedly trained under the guidance of the legendary dancer for the song ‘Mohe Rang Do Laal’. The flick also bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography.

Also Read: Pandit Birju Maharaj gave Indian dance a ‘unique identity’: PM Narendra Modi

-‘Unnai Kaanadhu Naan’ from ‘Vishwaroopam’

Actor Kamal Haasan partnered up with Pandit Birju Maharaj for and secured the National Film Award for Best Choreography. The tunes produced by musicians Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy boosted the energy in Birju Maharaj’s dance routine.

-Pranali: The Tradition

Pandit Birju Maharaj took charge of the choreography for the flick and trained lead actor Nargis for the movie. Pandit Birju Maharaj choreographed the Tandav dance for the feature film.

Other such movies where Pandit Birju Maharaj contributed as a choreographer include ‘Jaanisar’, ‘Dedh Ishqiya’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’, and ‘The Chess Players’. 

Pandit Birju has also garnered multiple awards and achievements through his decades long career in the entertainment industry. These include Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Kalidas Samman, Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award, Andhra Ratna, Shiromani Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Soviet Land Nehru Award and Nritya Vilas.

Also Read: End of an era: Pandit Birju Maharaj’s death sends social media in grief

Khairagarh University and Banaras Hindu University have conferred with Pandit Birju Maharaj with honorary doctorate degrees. He was also awarded India’s second highest civilian, Padma Vibhushan.

According to the dancer’s official website, he “received recognition as a young dancer with great potential” after his first major solo performance at the Manmath Nath Ghosh celebrations.

The news of the veteran dancer’s demise has sent shockwaves through social media. Fans, followers and other members of the Kathak community paid their tributes in a series of posts.