Pandit Birju Maharaj, the legendary Kathak maestro, died on Monday, of a heart attack. He was 83 years old. Apart from his several achievements in Kathak, Pandit-ji – as he was lovingly called by followers and fans, also possessed enormous command over Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan and Ghazal. Due to the trifecta of talents of being a vocalist, dancer, and instrumentalist, Pandit-ji lent his expertise to Bollywood films as well. 

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The following are Pandit Birju Maharaj’s most notable film contributions. 

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali epic reflects the director’s grandiose visions in the love story between the titular Bajirao, the Marathi general, and the firebrand Mastani. 

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Despite the movie having several memorable dance performances from Deepika Padukone as Mastani, ‘Mohe Rang Do Laal’ leaves a lasting impression. While Pandit-ji was choreographing the dance, Padukone expressed concern about matching up to the maestro’s standards. However, he put her mind at ease saying that she put a lot of hard work in her steps. 

Dedh Ishqiya (2014)

Pandit Birju Maharaj worked on the choreography with the extremely talented Madhuri Dixit, in the follow up to ‘Ishqiya’, which sees two conmen live their lives and loves on the road.

In a film marked with graceful moments, Pandit-ji’s work in ‘Jagaave Saari Raina’ stands out. 

Devdas (2002) 

This classic tale of the forlorn lover turning to a life of alcohol and vices to numb the pain has been retold in several iterations. However, few have been as well-executed as Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s version. 

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Part of the reason behind the film’s success has been the presence of Pandit-ji whose vocals in ‘Kaahe Chhed Mohe’ makes Madhuri Dixit’s performance all the more iconic. 

Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)

Pandit-ji’s contributions go up to ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’, which is set in 1947, during India’s partition. It follows a Sikh truck driver who falls in love with a Muslim aristocratic girl. His choreography remains memorable in this movie. 

Shatranj Ke Khilari/ The Chess Players (1977)

The auteur Satyajit Ray’s ‘The Chess Players’ marks one of the rare occasions the Bengali director helmed a movie that wasn’t in his regional language. It follows two eccentric noblemen, who engage in chess while remaining oblivious to the changing realities around them, against the backdrop of the British annexation of India. 

Pandit-ji lent his voice to and choreographed classical dance performances for this movie.