Acclaimed Indian dancer Astad Deboo, who pushed the envelope by integrating Kathak and Kathakali into a unique form, breathed his last at 73 on Thursday. Celebs from various industries, politicians and other noteworthy personalities paid honour to the legend on social media .
Bollywood especially grieved his demise. Anupam Kher penned a heartfelt note that read, “World of modern dance has lost a pioneer and India has lost a cultural treasure. Dearest #AstadDeboo it was a privilege to know you. Will miss your art, warm persona and your infectious smile! Rest in peace my friend!! #OmShanti” (sic).
“This is too shocking!! What a dancer !!what a human!! May you rest in peace ASTAD DEBOO!!,” mourned Manoj Bajpayee on twitter. “He left us in the early hours of December 10, at his home in Mumbai, after a brief illness, bravely borne. 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.”, the family declared on social media.
They shared, he left behind an unparalleled legacy of memorable performances backed by an unfaltering dedication to his art gained him thousands of friends and a huge number of admirers.
Deboo created a unique neoteric dance vocabulary who was regarded as a modern dance trail blazer. Born in 1947 in Navsari town in Gujarat, he became a contemporary dancer at a young age. His career spans over half a century who collaborated with several artists and performed in 70 countries.