In a career spanning over five decades, Astad Deboo, a pioneer of modern dance in India, employed his training skills in Kathak and Kathakali to create his own unique dance form.

In picture: Astad Deboo performed at a fashion presentation at Sophia College in Mumbai on September 24, 2013. PIC/SATYAJIT DESAI

The dancer-choreographer, who began his training in Kathak at the age of six, found his calling in contemporary dance and developed his own unique style after studying world masters and their techniques.

In picture: Astad Deboo performed at a fashion presentation at Sophia College in Mumbai on September 24, 2013. PIC/SATYAJIT DESAI

Astad Deboo studied for his B Com degree at Mumbai's RA Podar College, but only to appease his father. His resolve to engage with dance crystallised by the time he watched a performance by the iconic Murray Louis Dance Company.

In picture: Astad Deboo at Krishna Mehta's show by SPJ Sadhana School, held at Sophia College, in Mumbai, on September 24, 2014. PIC/SATYAJIT DESAI

Soon after college, Deboo enrolled with the Martha Graham School of Dance in New York. "When I started studying modern dance, it was with the Martha Graham dance technique. But I did not stay with the technique too long for it didn't feel right," he said.

In picture: Astad Deboo performed on the runway to showcase the collection of designer Monica and Karishma during the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 held at Palladium Hotel, Lower Parel in Mumbai on August 23, 2014. PIC/SHADAB KHAN

"When I began choreographing my work, in 1978, I did my first solo performance in Mumbai at Prithvi Theatre. I was just beginning, sometime in the '90s; it's when I started to realise that I was developing a distinctive style. Through the decades the style has evolved. From the late ’90s the form got more crystallised," Deboo told Mid-Day in an interview.

In picture: Astad Deboo at his residence in Mumbai on November 29, 2016. PIC/DATTA KUMBHAR

In a chat with Mid-Day in 2018, Deboo revealed his fitness mantra. "As my work is all about control and flexibility, I practise yoga aasanas and Tai chi. This is something I have developed for myself, based on what I feel I need to do to keep my body fit," he said.

In picture: Astad Deboo conducted a workshop for underprivileged children of a BMC School for the Salaam Bombay Foundation at Abhyudaya Municipal School in Currey Road on November 27, 2011. PIC SANTOSH NAGWEKAR

Astad Deboo was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1997.

In picture: Astad Deboo at his residence in Mumbai on November 29, 2016. PIC/DATTA KUMBHAR

In 2007, the government of India awarded Astad Deboo the Padma Shri.

In picture: Astad Deboo during a photoshoot at his Grant Road residence in Mumbai on August 16, 2013. PIC/SATYAJIT DESAI