Remembering Pandit Birju Maharaj Through His Choreography Of Bollywood Songs

Pandit Birju Maharaj contribution to Bollywood has been significant given the number of period films and the link to Indian classical dances. The legendary Kathak dancer passed away on January 16, late at night. The 83-year-old  allegedly died due to a heart attack in New Delhi. His contribution to Indian cinema too has been humongous. From composing and singing from Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khilari to choreography Mohe Rang Do Lal from Bajirao Mastani, his absence will be felt by all.

Pandit Birju Maharaj belonged to the Lucknow Gharana and was an inspiration to many who followed the dance of Bhakti. During a reality show, he and actor Madhuri Dixit presented the Radha-Krishna Bhakti in the most beautiful form. His death has shaken the Bollywood industry, his followers and everyone close to him. Even Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance art recognition across the world. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief. om Shanti!"

Here are five choreographies of to remember Pandit Birju Maharaj by:

Kaahe Chhed From Devdas 

He not only choreographed this song in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas but also composed the music and wrote lyrics for the song, which is still remembered by many as Madhuri Dixit's beautiful performance and movement. In the film, Dixit played the role of Chandramukhi. It is based on a novel by the same name written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1917.

Suggested Reading: Birju Maharaj Passes Away, His Disciples Pay Tribute To The Kathak Legend

Jagaave Saari Raina From Dedh Ishqiya 

This was his second collaboration with Madhuri Dixit for the film Dedh Ishqiya, directed by Abhishek Chaubey. The film was a sequel to Ishqiya, which was a dark comedy. The song was written by Gulzar and composed by Vishal Bharadwaj. Here too Pandit Birju Maharaj sang and choreographed.

Unnai Kaanadhu Naan From Vishwaroopam 

For this choreography, Pandit Birju Maharaj won the National Film Award For Best Choreography. For the song, he taught Kamal Haasan the steps and directed the choreography. The song was sung by Kamal Haasan and Shankar Mahadevan, while the music was composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Mohe Rang Do Laal From Bajirao Mastani 

For the song, Deepika Padukone took lessons from Birju Maharaj. It was composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and sung by Shreya Ghosal. This song won the Filmfare Award for the Best Choreography. It was made for the grand Bhansali film on the love story of Bajirao, played by Ranveer Singh and Mastani.

Deepika Padukone was the actor in Bajirao Mastani

Aan Milo Sajana From Gadar: Ek Prem Katha 

He choreographed the song aan milo sajana from the cult classic Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. He choreographed it for the background dancers. The cast included Ameesha Patil and Sunny Deol, amongst others and it was directed by Anil Sharma.