He never failed to make me laugh at his funny anecdotes: Madhuri Dixit pens a heartfelt note for Maharaj ji

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit took to her social media handle to mourn the loss of Pandit Birju Maharaj who left for his heavenly abode at the age of 83 reportedly due to a heart attack. As soon as the news broke out Bollywood celebrities poured in their heartfelt condolences for Kathak legend.

The actress shared a picture with him, she penned down a tribute and wrote, 

“He was a legend but had a child like innocence. He was my guru but also my friend."

Madhuri wrote,

“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. Koti Koti pranam #PanditBirjuMaharaj #Guruji #RIP”.

For the unversed, Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit worked together when the Kathak legend choreographed for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s hit film ‘Devdas’s popular dance number ‘Kaahe chhed mohe' starring Madhuri. 

The song still remains evergreen like many other Bollywood numbers directed by the legend. This includes ‘Vishwaroopam’, ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’.

Meanwhile, the dance maestro Birju Maharaj, who had been diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and put on dialysis, passed away at his home late on Sunday. He was 83.

Maharaj ji, as he was popularly known, was said to be playing with his grandsons when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, requiring him to be rushed to the hospital, where he died of a heart attack.