In a shocking turn of events, actor and trained Kathak dancer Pandit Veeru Krishnan took his last breath on Saturday in Mumbai. Veeru Krishnan is remembered for his performances in films like Raja Hindustani, Ishq, Akele Hum Akele Tum and Dulhe Raja among others. Other than being a popular actor, Veeru Krishnan was also a dance guru to many celebrities including Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Karanvir Bohra, Athiya Shetty and others. And as soon as this tragic news broke, many celebrities took to their social media accounts and expressed their grief over Veeru’s demise.
Global star Priyanka Chopra was among the first ones to remember the actor. Taking to her Twitter account, PeeCee not only thanked Veeru for his contribution and guidance, but she also penned a heartfelt note. “You taught me to dance when I was two left feet. Your patience and passion for dance was so infectious that each one of us not only learned Kathak but so much more from you. You will always be remembered Guruji. #panditveerukrishnan,” wrote the Bajirao Mastani actress.
You taught me to dance when I was two left feet. Your patience and passion for dance was so infectious that each one of us not only learned Kathak, but so much more from you. You will always be remembered Guruji. 🙏 #panditveerukrishnan https://t.co/pfQerVQgby
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) September 7, 2019
Athiya Shetty, on the other hand, was visibly shocked to the news. "Omg, so sad and shocked to hear this. RIP guruji. Thank you for teaching us— hard work, discipline and to truly love the form of Kathak,” she wrote.
omg, so sad and shocked to hear this. RIP guruji ✨🙏🏼 thank you for teaching us— hard work, discipline and to truly love the form of Kathak. https://t.co/6NvRtnb9ph
— Athiya Shetty (@theathiyashetty) September 7, 2019
Bollywood actor and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta, too, took to her social media to mourn Veeru Krishnan’s death. She wrote, “This is very sad news indeed. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to Guruji’s family. He really was an institution & his passion for kathak and patience with his students made him an exemplary teacher. #RIP #panditveerukrishnan”
This is very sad news indeed. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to Guruji’s family. He really was an institution & his passion for kathak and patience with his students made him an exemplary teacher. #RIP #panditveerukrishnan https://t.co/LDoSh3Ok6G
— Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@LaraDutta) September 7, 2019
Television actor Karanvir Bohra, who is a known Kathak dancer as well, was also trained under Veeru Krishnan’s guidance. Taking to his Instagram account, the former Bigg Boss 12 contestant reminisced some happy moments with Veeru by sharing an old video and expressing his sorrow over the actor’s death. “I'm really sad to state that my darling Guruji #panditvirukrishnan has left for his heavenly abode... I was going to put up a post on teachers day thanking him and other teachers, little did I know that this angel will leave his body and I will never get to see him. We have learnt so much from him. Teachers like him were very few. @bombaysunshine and I were just talking today in the morning that we would @twinbabydiaries for Kathak next time they were in India. This is a great loss for all of us. But I know he is in a happier place. #GURUDEVKIJAIHO,” wrote Karanvir.
Reportedly, Katrina Kaif and her soon-to-be actress sister Isabelle Kaif, too, have been training under Veeru Krishnan from the past few years.