Madhuri Dixit to Aditi Rao Hydari: Bollywood mourns demise of Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj

Mumbai: The film fraternity here grieved the passing away of legendary Kathak dancer and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj on Monday.

The 83-year-old maestro suffered a heart attack in New Delhi, the news was confirmed by his grandson on Instagram.

Bollywood's dancing queen Madhuri Dixit shared a photo with a Twitter post: "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," the diva posted gratitude emojis.

Singer Adnan Sami said: "Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer- Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.

"We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius. May he rest in peace," along with a picture and black heart emojis.

Yesteryears dancing diva and BJP MP Hema Malini said on Instagram: "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 and will miss his presence on the firmament of dance."

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai: My first learning from kathak dance maestro was in my college youth festival when he expressed a romantic conversation between Lord Krishna and Radha through his two eyes talking.

"I learnt ‘DANCE means body but soul is in eyes. That’s why he was a Jagat guru in kathak. RIP BIRJU SIR."

Actor Aditi Rao Hydari penned an emotional note for her mentor: "Thank you for being at my arangetram, the first time I ever stepped on to stage. Thank you for my dreams that danced then and now. Thank you for sharing your world with me, with us.

"I realise how lucky I was as a child to have grown up around such greatness, so much humility, and at the core of it all, a childlike playfulness. You are dance and dance is you. Rest in peace, Maharaj Ji. May the sun, moon, and stars dance with you and celebrate you eternally."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari)

The legend was admired for his choreography some of which includes "Kanha Main Tosi Haari", "Kaahe Chhed", "Mohe Rang Do Laal". He won the Filmfare award for best choreography for "Mohe Rang Do Laal" (Bajirao Mastani).

Maharaj’s admirers and fans are in a state of shock.

The Government had honoured him with the country's second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 1986. He received Sangeet Natak Academy Award at the age of 28. (UNI)