Madhumati Akshay Kumar
Indian film industry is grieving the death of one of its long time actors and dancers Madhumati, who died at the age of 87. Madhumati was an artist who idealized the fusion of the art and movie worlds and one of the few artists who balanced the two to perfection due to her grace, classical dance skills and memorable acting in the 1950s and 60s films. Her death signifies the conclusion of a period that was extolling grace, discipline, and unadulterated art in Indian films.
Tributes were led by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar who defended Madhumati by saying that he was his first and only guru. Akshay flashed back to her by showing him an old image of her during his early training days, and how she had once guided him at a time when he was starting his training as a sad dance and performance novice. He attributed her with the development of his ground as an artist and had given her the discipline and art that has characterized his career. I have become whatever I am today at least partly because of Madhumati ji. Akshay wrote that she was my teacher, my mentor, and my inspiration.
Akshay Kumar has also pledged 50 lakh rupees to assist the family of Madhumati in a very remarkable gesture. According to sources close to the actor, soon after he heard the news of the death of the late dancer, he privately contacted the relatives of the late and offered her family and household to be well taken care of. This gesture has gained massive popularity among the industry and fans have lauded the actor as having a humble demeanor to his mentors and showing a lot of respect.
Madhumati was a girl who had recorded a number of Hindi and regional films but her strong dance sequences and expressive acts were her strong points. She had acted with legendary actors like, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Meena Kumari. Other than her acting profession, she was also a renowned dance instructor who tutored hundreds of learners in the classical and semi-classical dance. She kept on teaching young dancers and inspiring them even in her later years, greatly respected by several generations of artists.
Hema Malini, Waheeda Rehman, and Vyjayanthimala being the industry veterans have recalled Madhumati as a real artist whose role in the Indian film and dance industry will not be forgotten at all. A lot of them had been reminiscent of their time working with her and going to her dance recitals which were mostly termed as being mesmerizing experiences that went beyond time.
The film fraternity has also shown appreciation to Akshay Kumar because of his humane contribution. Some of the fans observed that during a time when most veterans fall into obscurity, the act of Akshay sends a group of people to the realization that they must never forget and at least remember the artists of yesteryear. His tribute is not only a reminder of the memory of Madhumati but also a sign of great respect to the cultural heritage that was created by artists such as her to the industry.
Close family members, disciples and a few film industry colleagues were present at the funeral of Madhumati. Remembering her work on social media has been an endless stream with fans submitting video clips of her legendary dance routines and warm wishes about her genius. Her memory as an actor and an instructor will be an inspiration to dancers and actors even beyond the generations to come.
With the farewell song of another Bollywood legend, there is a sweet message of Akshay Kumar who reminds the world that there is always a teacher who led the way of a superstar. The life and work of Madhumati is timeless example of devotion, beauty and artistic devotion- the values which can be recognized as many features of the golden age of Indian cinema.
