Mumbai, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : Saira Banu, the veteran actress, recently took to Instagram to pay a touching tribute to her beloved guru, Roshan Kumari, who passed away at the age of 82. Known for her accolades in Kathak dance, Kumari held a special place in Banu’s heart, transcending the role of a mere teacher to become a cherished family member.
On Friday, Banu shared nostalgic black-and-white photographs of herself with Kumari, accompanied by an emotional note expressing her love and reverence. She reflected on the profound relationship they shared, stating that saying goodbye to someone so influential is often beyond words. Initially, Kumari was her dance instructor, but over time, she evolved into a confidante, friend, and sister.
Banu emphasized that Kumari taught her that dance is not merely a physical activity; it embodies discipline, dedication, expression, and the language of the soul. She recounted how Kumari was an integral part of her life, even attending her wedding. Banu praised Kumari as a legendary artist from the Jaipur gharana, noting the uniqueness of her Kathak performances and her dignified presence.
In her heartfelt message, Banu expressed a desire not to say goodbye but rather “see you again,” as some relationships live on in memories, undeterred by death. She reminisced about her early days learning Kathak, unaware of the lasting impact Kumari would have on her life.
Banu recalled a special moment when Kumari was present at her wedding to Dilip Kumar, a memory she will always cherish. She described Kumari’s dance as powerful and mesmerizing, marked by grace and beauty, which captivated audiences.
Additionally, Banu highlighted Kumari’s performance in Satyajit Ray’s Bengali film “Jalsaghar,” where her ten-minute Kathak dance became a memorable moment in Indian cinema. Watching her perform was like witnessing the world come alive, as she commanded the scene with her artistry and personality.
Concluding her tribute, Banu stated that Kumari did not need to prove her greatness; her art spoke for itself. She feels fortunate to have learned Kathak from such a remarkable figure, whose teachings and love shaped her understanding of the dance form. Banu reiterated that she does not wish to say goodbye but instead hopes to reconnect, as some bonds endure beyond life.
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