THE CHOREOGRAPHER
Pt. Birju Maharaj has given a new dimension to Kathak, by experimenting with his technique in the application of dance dramas, which has today become a very successful medium for mass propagation. As a choreographer, he is the finest in the country today. His bold and intellectual compositions in traditional themes are brilliant, whereas his contemporary works are also refreshing in concept, crisp and entertaining.
Since the early days when he choreographed pieces like Makhan Chori, Phaag Bahar, etc., his work has been appreciated by the audience and the choreographer never stopped bringing out new themes, each a masterpiece in itself. In the seventies, full length mythological and historical dance dramas were the norm. Some of them were Katha Raghunath Ki, Krishnayan, Roopmati Baajbahadur. Mughal themes depicted were Darbar-e-Salaami, Shaahi Mehfil, etc. In the 1980’s some excellent abstract and purely rhythmic compositions were made –Laya Parikrama, Naad Gunjan, Ghunghru Sangeet, etc. The trend has continued. Humorous ones like Samachar Darpan, File Katha and sensitive ones like Anamya were appreciated for their unusual ideas. The list is endless as he spends every day in creating something new and giving shape to another new idea.
Since the early days when he choreographed pieces like Makhan Chori, Phaag Bahar, etc., his work has been appreciated by the audience and the choreographer never stopped bringing out new themes, each a masterpiece in itself. In the seventies, full length mythological and historical dance dramas were the norm. Some of them were Katha Raghunath Ki, Krishnayan, Roopmati Baajbahadur. Mughal themes depicted were Darbar-e-Salaami, Shaahi Mehfil, etc. In the 1980’s some excellent abstract and purely rhythmic compositions were made –Laya Parikrama, Naad Gunjan, Ghunghru Sangeet, etc. The trend has continued. Humorous ones like Samachar Darpan, File Katha and sensitive ones like Anamya were appreciated for their unusual ideas. The list is endless as he spends every day in creating something new and giving shape to another new idea.
Contributions to the Film Industry
Pt. Birju Maharaj has directed, composed music and sung for two classical dance sequences in the film ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’ (The Chess Players) directed by Satyajit Ray. One was a group dance picturised on Wajid Ali Shah (Amjad Khan) shown dancing along with his queens. The other was a solo dance forming the backdrop of a crucial sequence of the story.
He directed and composed a music piece for the film ‘Dil To Paagal Hai’, as a jugalbandi. Madhuri Dixit performed the dance on this piece in the Kathak style, with a contemporary touch.
In the film ‘Gadar’, he choreographed a group dance based on the song 'Aan Milo Sajana', forming a backdrop to show Ameesha Patel’s turmoil.
He choreographed, composed music and was the male lead singer for the song ‘Kahe Chhed Mohe’ in the film Devdas. This dance represents a true portrayal of bhaav as performed by Madhuri Dixit, in the classical style (www.devdasthefilm.com).
His disciples have performed as the accompanying artistes for these dance sequences, along with the film personalities.