Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant pays tribute to the legend Pandit Birju Maharaj who passed away today
Vaibhavi Merchant
Bollywood’s leading choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant recalls fond memories of Kathak legend late Pandit Birju Maharaj’s work, in conversation with mid-day.com.
Vaibhavi says, “Deeply saddened by Maharajji’s demise. He was the last legend, guru and maestro of the Lucknow gharana. Had the good fortune to learn from him as my Guru Late Su Shri Madhurita Sarang was his disciple. We have lost not only a great exponent of classical dance but an institution and embodiment of the art form. His body of work as a choreographer both in theatre and films is revered by generations of artists and the audiences around the world. He was not only an artist but art itself. I recollect a moment as a 16 year old student of the dance I was mesmerized by his performance and the sheer brilliance both as a performer and as a Guru. There was music & dance in every breath he lived. All his disciples and musicians would gather around him minutes before a performance backstage, while he tied his ghungroos all would recite padhants and tukdas, play with precision in taal and laya. It was a magical sight beyond extraordinary and brilliance. His art craft and legend will be forever. I give my heartfelt Bhavpurvak Shraddhanjali to this remarkable Guru.”
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