Have always promoted classical dance through films: Madhuri Dixit

The actress said the dances which had Indian influences have stayed in the audience’s mind for a longer period of time.

Madhuri Dixit in 'Dedh Ishqiya'

Madhuri Dixit may have starred in just one dance-based film, ‘Aaja Nachle’ in her career so far but the Bollywood diva says she makes sure to promote the classical art forms through her projects.

Madhuri, who played the role of a Kathak dancer in ‘Dedh Ishqiya’, did a traditional dance number in the film choreographed by Kathak exponent Birju Maharaj. “I may not have done an out-and-out dance film after ‘Aaja Nachle’ but I have always promoted classical dance and music through my films right from the beginning.

“In my last film (‘Dedh Ishqiya’), I played a Kathak dancer and I did have a lovely dance based on a classical song which Maharaj ji again choreographed,” Madhuri told PTI.

The 47-year-old actress, who has given the industry many hit dance numbers in her three-decade-long career, said the dances which had Indian influences have stayed in the audience’s mind for a longer period of time. “Western and another influences are going to be everywhere. They have always been there even in Bollywood from the beginning. But if you see the songs that are super hits, you will notice that they have an Indian touch,” she added.

The actress was in the capital recently to launch a new variant of Taj Mahal tea. The evening saw a music programme crafted by Madhuri and young sitarist Niladri Kumar.

The ‘Dhak-dhak girl’ feels that youngsters should come forward and create awareness of classical music.

“That’s where our youngsters come in because they understand the psyche of the traditional values and they understand the psyche of youngsters. So, they are the ones who should carry the torch forward to make the music accessible to others and make people realise that it is not difficult after all. All of us should come together and create awareness,” Madhuri said.