Dance Pioneer Astad Deboo Passes Away: Nimrat Kaur, Nandita Das, Ehsaan Noorani mourn his demise

Contemporary Indian dancer and choreographer Astad Deboo breathed his last on December 10. He was 73. According to the dance pioneer’s family, Astad breathed his last in his Mumbai home after a brief illness. Astad was known for combining Kathak and Kathakali and thereby creating a unique fusion dance form.

The Indian government had awarded him the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1996 and Padma Shri in 2007. Astad also choreographed for a few Hindi films. He had even choreographed legendary painter M F Hussain’s directorial ‘Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities’ (2004) which starred Tabu and Kunal Kapoor in the lead.

Sharing the news of Astad’s demise his family released a statement that reads, “We are sad to announce the passing away of Astad Deboo. He left us in the early hours of December 10, at his home in Mumbai, after a brief illness, bravely borne. He leaves behind a formidable legacy of unforgettable performances combined with an unswerving dedication to his art, matched only by his huge, loving heart that gained him thousands of friends and a vast, number of admirers. The loss to the family, friends, fraternity of dancers, both classical and modern, Indian and international, is inestimable. May he rest in peace. We will miss him. ?”

 

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Several Bollywood celebs took to their social media handle to mourn the demise of the legendary dancer and choreographer. “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Astad Deboo Sir. Was terribly lucky to have trained under his astute, unparalleled eye in my maiden play. A first and only of his kind, an unfathomable loss for the artistic world. A wonderful, brilliant, towering man…. #RIPAstadDeboo,” tweeted Nimrat Kaur. 

Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Astad Deboo Sir. Was terribly lucky to have trained under his astute, unparalleled eye in my maiden play. A first and only of his kind, an unfathomable loss for the artistic world. A wonderful, brilliant, towering man…. #RIPAstadDeboo pic.twitter.com/5Crfkp4zaq

— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) December 10, 2020

Nandita Das said she has lost too many closed ones this year. “Just too sad. Knew him and admired him since I was a child. You still had so much to offer #AstadDeboo I have lost too many loved ones this year,” Das tweeted. 

Just too sad. Knew him and admired him since I was a child. You still had so much to offer #AstadDeboo I have lost too many loved ones this year. https://t.co/Ji7LPAD6hf

— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) December 10, 2020

Music composer Ehsaan Noorani tweeted, “RIP #AstadDeboo the man who pushed the dimensions of dance, a powerhouse of talent .”

RIP #AstadDeboo the man who pushed the dimensions of dance , a powerhouse of talent .

— Ehsaan Noorani (@EhsaanNoorani) December 10, 2020

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Astad’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.

Also Read: Divya Bhatnagar Dies At 34: Devoleena Bhattacharjee pens down an emotional post for the late actress with throwback pictures

Pooja Sharma

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