Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit have had a long standing professional relationship. The classical dancer choreographed her songs in Devdas (2002) and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), and he recently directed a mujra for her upcoming film Dedh Ishqiya.
The dancing legend is also happy that in spite of living in the US for so many years, Madhuri has ensured that her kids have a deep connect with their country and enrolled them for tabla lessons.
“I have met both her sons (Arin and Ryan) and am happy that the kids are learning to play the tabla, which is a big deal,” says Birju Maharaj. Talking about their personal rapport, the veteran dancer says, “We share a lovely relationship; it’s like family. Whenever she cooks anything, she gives it to me with a lot of love ki guruji ye khaiye woh khaiye (Guruji eat this and that).”
For the first time, the legendary Kathak guru and his disciple will be seen in a special jugalbandi act on an upcoming dance reality show. Birju Maharaj says, “I am happy that I will be dancing with Madhuriji in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. She will perform alone on her songs and we also have a duet performance. She has a lot of faith in me. I hope the audience likes what we have to offer on the show.”
The guru and disciple will perform together for the first time on television and will perhaps set a benchmark for the contestants to match. Currently Birju Maharaj is in Kolkata recording the music piece to which the dance act is set.
The guru and disciple will perform together for the first time on television and will perhaps set a benchmark for the contestants to match. Currently Birju Maharaj is in Kolkata recording the music piece to which the dance act is set.