Exclusive - Choreographer Mayur Vaidya on late Kathak maestro Pt Birju Maharaj: He'd often say, 'Mera ek beta hai wo mumbai mein rehta hai'

Pandit Birju Maharaj, the

Kathak

maestro, passed away in Delhi today (Monday). Dancer and choreographer

Mayur Vaidya

is among the few artists who was close to

Pandit Birju Maharaj

and learned Kathak from him. Mayur, whom Birju Maharaj treated like his 'son', is shattered after learning about the latter's demise. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Mayur got emotional reminiscing memories with the late

Kathak maestro

and spoke at length about how his classical dance form is going to help younger generations ahead.

"I am shattered ever since I got the news that my Birju Maharaj is no more. He considered me as his son. He treated me as his friend and we have spent some quality time with each other. He was the one who inspired all of us with his Kathak and showed everyone how dance can be divine. People started to learn to respect the art of Kathak because of him. He also inspired male classical dancers like me in a various ways," says Mayur.

He further revealed that he spoke to Birju Maharaj three weeks ago. Mayur said, "I called him three weeks ago and we spoke about many things. He blessed me and said he wishes to attend my wedding in Mumbai but couldn't come due to the lockdown. He always considered me as his son and would often tell everyone, 'Mumbai mein mera ek beta hai'. It's really a devastating news for the entire classical dance fraternity."

Mayur got emotional saying that there is no one to pat on his back after his performance. He said, "I am missing him. One thing that is making me emotional is that there would be no one in my life again who would pat on my back like he did. He always praised me, often asking his students to learn from my Kathak. Such was his affection for me."

Mayur believes that Birju Maharaj is one of the reasons behind youngsters showing interest in Kathak and classical dance. He said, "Youngsters are getting inspired only because of classical dancers like Birju Maharaj existed. I am an example, too. I got inspired by him and I wish there would be many who would opt for classical dance."