RIP Pandit Birju Maharaj: Remembering Kathak maestro through his echoing footsteps in Indian cinema

New Delhi: Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj has passed away. He was 83 when he breathed his last.

The news of his demise was confirmed to ANI by one of his relatives. It is being learned that Pandit Birju Maharaj had suffered a heart attack in the wee hours of Monday. The veteran dancer popularized dance dramas in the country through his own unique style of Kathak over the years, with his amazing performances and priceless expressions.

1. Kanha Main Tose Haari

Pandit Birju Maharaj composed music and sang for this classical dance sequence 'Kanha Main Tose Haari' for Satyajit Ray's first Hindi film 'Shatranj Ke Khilari', based on the eponymous Munshi Premchand's short story.

2. Kaahe Chhed

The late maestro wrote the lyrics, composed the music, and choreographed this beautiful song picturised on actress Madhuri Dixit who portrayed Chandramukhi in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial 'Devdas.'

3. Jagaave Saari Raina

Yet another masterpiece by Pandit Birju Maharaj performed by Madhuri Dixit. He turned singer as well choreographer for this track from Abhishek Chaubey's 'Dedh Ishqiya', the sequel to dark comedy 'Ishqiya'.

4. Unnai Kaanadhu Naan

Winning the National Film Award for Best Choreography, Birju Maharaj made the South superstar Kamal Haasan dance to his steps in this track composed by the trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and sung by the actor himself & Shankar Mahadevan.

5. Mohe Rang Do Laal

Deepika Padukone took Kathak dance lessons from Birju Maharaj for this brilliant song composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself for his romantic epic saga 'Bajirao Mastani'.

Apart from being a renowned Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj was also a well-known classical singer and had lent his voice to several films.

For his remarkable contribution, the government of India had honoured him with the country's second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 1986.