She added, “Among these cherished mentors, one who stands out is Roshan Kumari Ji (sitting on my left in the first picture), honored with the Padma Shri and has also worked with the legendary Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray. She imparted to me the art of classical dance – Kathak of the Jaipur Gharana. Her grace and discipline were nothing short of a masterclass and a blessing to the Indian art form. Everything I achieved in classical dancing is attributed to her; she dedicated herself fully to nurturing and shaping me as a classical dancer.”
She carried on, “Another significant guru is P.L. Raj Ji, with whom I had the privilege of working during ‘Junglee’, where he beautifully choreographed ‘Kashmir Ki Kali,’ my very first song, and continued to collaborate with me on subsequent films. As also my rehearsal composer Shalini Deshpande who left no stone unturned and painstakingly rehearsed with me what movements had been set for me in the respective dances.
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Today, I remember them with immense love and respect, I feel compelled to share their stories and the indelible mark they have left on my life. Their influence remains a guiding light, and their contributions to my journey are invaluable. More happy stories of us all together a bit later on.”
#HappyGuruPurnima
