Madhuri Dixit, the Bollywood star, paid tribute to Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, who died of a heart attack at the age of 83, in Delhi on January 16.
She took to Instagram to share a post, saying, “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. 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”. Dixit also shared a photo of the two performing together.
Pandit-ji, as his fans and followers lovingly call him, had been a dance teacher from a young age, and shared unique relationships with his pupils. He’d choreographed Dixit even after she became a Bollywood star. Their first collaboration was in ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’.
They worked together again on two more films, the first being Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’ in 2002, for the ‘Kaahe Chhed Mohe’ song, and the Abhishek Chaubey helmed ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ for the ‘Jagaave Saari Raina’ song.
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Speaking about his experience working with Dixit on these films, Pandit-ji said that there are numerous fantastic dancers in Bollywood, but Dixit has always been his “favourite”. He mentioned working with her on the two films, praising her as a Kathak dancer who’s full of grace.
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Notably, Pandit-ji was playing with his grandchildren when he suddenly fell unconscious. He was rushed to Saket hospital, where he was declared dead. The maestro was suffering from a kidney ailment and had just started his dialysis. His death has been mourned by many including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the nation’s President, Ram Nath Kovind.
