Bollywood actors Hema Malini, Madhuri Dixit and Alia Bhatt among others are heartbroken after hearing about the demise of legendary Kathak dancer and choreographer Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Veteran actor Hema Malini 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.
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🙏 pic.twitter.com/Wz0VLGDQPW
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) January 17, 2022
Madhuri 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.
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. pic.twitter.com/KfcqravsXX
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) January 17, 2022
Taking to her Instagram handle on Monday, Alia Bhatt shared a picture of the late icon and penned a note, remembering the time when he taught her during the prep for ‘Ghar More Pardesiya’. She wrote, “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.”
Biru Maharaj passed away on Monday after suffering breathlessness. He was 83 when he breathed his last, surrounded by his family at his Delhi residence.
