Madhuri Dixit's artistry on screen has always transcended mere performance; it's a profound expression of dance in its myriad forms. From the intricate footwork of Kathak, steeped in centuries of tradition, to the dynamic energy of Western styles, the vibrant storytelling of folk, and the unbridled spirit of freestyle, her command is evident in every fluid movement. This deep devotion to the art extends far beyond her celebrated cinematic roles. Today, she dedicates herself to nurturing the next generation of talent through her online platform, 'Dance With Madhuri,' where she personally guides aspiring dancers, ensuring the legacy of movement continues to thrive. Madhuri recently recounted pivotal moments of her profound interactions with her revered guru, the late Pandit Birju Maharaj. From her initial, awe-struck encounter with the maestro to their iconic "Jugalbandi" in the film 'Dil To Pagal Hai', she underscores how Maharaj's profound tutelage undeniably elevated her own artistic prowess, shaping her into the versatile dancer she is today.
Witnessing genius
Recalling the genesis of her deep, unwavering admiration for Maharaj-ji, Madhuri shared a vivid memory: "The very first time I witnessed Maharaj-ji's performance was at Rang Bhawan, a truly mesmerizing experience heightened by the rhythmic genius of Zakir Hussain's tabla accompaniment. His very presence on stage, the sublime grace woven into his expressions, and the sheer poise of his form in motion were utterly captivating. It wasn't just a dance; it was a revelation. The 'Jugalbandi' that concluded the performance was nothing short of electrifying; even then, at a tender age, I recognized with an almost primal certainty that I was in the presence of unadulterated genius. I must have been merely five, already deeply immersed in my own Kathak lessons, yet in that transcendent moment, I resolved that I aspired to dance with the same ethereal quality, the same depth of soul, as him."
She continued, her voice resonating with an almost spiritual respect for her guru, "While I had previously observed many of his exquisite performances from afar, through various mediums, my first personal interaction with him occurred years later, during a workshop in the USA. I arrived anticipating a conventional Kathak practice session, perhaps focusing on complex toda or paran compositions, but was genuinely surprised when his initial request was for me to demonstrate the 'Ek, Do, Teen' step. He expressed a profound, genuine curiosity about my precise execution of that particular, widely recognized movement, showcasing his analytical mind even then. My already high regard for him soared to new heights as I discovered his profound interest extended across the entire, vast spectrum of global dance forms. He wasn't confined to classical boundaries. He has engaged in remarkable 'Jugalbandis' with flamenco artists, their fiery footwork complementing his intricate bols, and even with tap dancers who seamlessly weave in elements of Bharatanatyam, creating a truly unique fusion. Witnessing his incredible versatility and open-mindedness has solidified my belief, a conviction now deeply ingrained, that once one truly masters a classical form like Kathak – understanding its grammar, its nuances, its very soul – the language of any dance style in the world, be it contemporary or traditional, becomes accessible, understandable, and ultimately, embraceable."
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A peacock's dance
The inaugural piece Maharaj-ji choreographed specifically for her remains indelibly etched in Madhuri's memory: the iconic "Jugalbandi" sequence from 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'. She recounted this experience with palpable delight, her words painting a vivid picture: "This was the scene where Shah Rukh Khan's drumming set the intricate rhythm, a vibrant tapestry of beats, and I danced bathed in the singular glow of the spotlight. It was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding sequence. Maharaj-ji, with his unparalleled artistic vision and profound understanding of interpretive movement, didn't just choreograph steps. He embodied the music. He interpreted each subtle drum beat, each percussive flourish, as the myriad, joyful, and utterly uninhibited expressions of a peacock dancing freely in its natural habitat. It was a masterclass in translating abstract sound into a deeply emotional and visually stunning narrative through pure dance."
Passing on the legacy
The acclaimed actress radiated a profound sense of gratitude as she spoke of the immense privilege of having the legendary dancer, her own guru, impart his timeless wisdom at her online academy. "When I first conceptualized my online dance academy, 'Dance With Madhuri,' our core vision was ambitious yet clear: to create an inclusive platform where experts from diverse dance disciplines could converge and share their invaluable knowledge with a global audience. We are truly honored to feature exceptional talents like Remo D'Souza, known for his contemporary flair; Terrence Lewis, a master of various styles; and Namita Bodaji, who beautifully teaches Bharatanatyam. However, when it came to the classical art form of Kathak, my fervent desire, almost an artistic imperative, was for Maharaj-ji himself to teach. This was, of course, given my profound admiration for his distinctive, inimitable style and his deep connection to the Lucknow Gharana. I was incredibly fortunate, blessed even; the moment I approached him with the idea, he graciously assented without hesitation, understanding the vision behind the platform."
Her excitement became almost palpable as she passionately added, her voice imbued with a sense of urgent invitation, "I genuinely implore everyone, every aspiring dancer and every lover of classical art, to visit 'Dance with Madhuri' and witness his exquisite expressions, his unbelievably fluid body movements, his compelling body language—every single element is simply perfect, a testament to decades of dedication and mastery! He has not merely taught dance steps or routines; he has elevated the very essence of dance to a veritable science, meticulously revealing the inherent beauty and intricate mechanics that underpin this ancient art form. The unparalleled grace, the effortless poise, the profound bhaav (expression) he brings to every movement are truly astonishing, almost beyond words. I feel profoundly blessed, fortunate beyond measure, to have had him, the embodiment of Kathak, imparting his wisdom and ensuring the lineage of this beautiful classical form continues through our platform."
