Kaahe Chhed Mohe to Unnai Kaanadhu Naan: Iconic dance choreography by late Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj

World famous Kathak performer Pandit Birju Maharaja’s death has brought grief to the whole entertainment globe. The 83-year-old passed away on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Fondly referred to as Panditji or Maharaj ji by his disciples, the legendary dancer had also been a Padma Vibhushan awardee.

The contributions of the Kathak maestro towards Indian cinema is impeccable. Starting with the Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi, the master has choreographed many iconic dance sequences. This includes Madhuri Dixit’s popular track Kahe Chhed Mohe from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas, Deepika Padukone’s gorgeous performance in Mohe Rang Do Laal from Bajirao Mastani, and more.

It is also to be noted that Panditji received the National Award for choreographing the iconic Kamal Hassan song Unnai Kaanadhu Naan for the Tamil movie Vishwaroopam. 

As one of the glorious dance era has came to an end with Panditji’s demise, here is a list of the legend’s iconic choreographs to reminisce:

Kaahe Chhed Mohe

The iconic song performed by Madhuri Dixit in the 2002 movie Devdas is one of the most precious songs of Panditji. Sung by Panditji himself along with Kavita Krishnamurthy and Madhuri Dixit, the song is composed by Ismail Darbar and Monty Sharma. 

Aan Milo Sajana

The mesmerizing song sung by Ajoy Chakraborthy and Begum Parveen Sultana is from the 2001 movie Gadar:Ek Prem Katha. The song features Sunny Deol, Amisha Patel, Amrish Puri and more.The song is composed by Uttam Singh while the lyrics are penned by Anand Bakshi.

Dil Toh Pagal Hain Instrumental Kathak Dance

Featuring Madhuri Dixit and Shah Rukh Khan, the beautiful Kathak dance from Dil Toh Pagal Hain composed by Panditji still stays fresh in fans’ hearts. Helmed by Yash Chopra, the movie also stars Karishma Kapoor and Akshay Kumar. The plot revolves around the love lives of the members of a musical troupe.

Mohe Rang Do Laal

The 2015 movie Bajirao Mastani is also known for its classic songs and dance moves. Featuring Deepika Padukone, Mohe Rang Do Laal choreographed by the Kathak legend is one of them, which adds magic to the plot. The track is sung by Panditji as well alongside Shreya Ghoshal. 

Unnai Kaanadhu Naan

This appealing Kathak performance from the movie Vishwaroopam had earned Panditji a National Award. The glorious song features Kamal Hassan, who is known for his versatility and extraordinary dance moves. The song also has Andrea Jeremiah.