Over 30 years since the release of Ram-Lakhan (1989), people remember Madhuri Dixit dancing to Bada dukh dina — a song immortalised by Lata Mangeshkar’s beautiful rendition, choreographer Saroj Khan’s steps and the leading lady’s grace. But little do people know that the inspiration behind the dance was Pandit Birju Maharaj, the doyen of the Lucknow gharana of Kathak. Subhash Ghai, who directed Ram-Lakhan and is known for his keen ear for music, recounts, “It was initially difficult for Madhuri to pick up the steps. She said, ‘Sir, I am not able to get Saroj’s form of dance and expression.’ I advised her to watch Saroj’s eyes and face to understand the emotions she is trying to convey, rather than [following] her body movements. After that, Madhuri learnt the steps quickly. I had learnt this [trick] from Birju Maharaj. The maestro has been a major influence in the dances in my movies.”