Actor-choreographer Veeru Krishnan passed away in Mumbai on Saturday, 7 September. Apart from having acted in films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Raja Hindustani (1996) and Ishq (1997), Krishnan was also a renowned Kathak dancer who taught actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Katrina Kaif and Juhi Chawla.
The actor-choreographer was a part of several comedy films including Dulhe Raja (1998) during the 1990s. However, he retreated to the background, focusing more on teaching dance in his later years.
The news of his death was received with sadness by several of his students, who took to social media to mourn the loss. Among them, Priyanka Chopra recalled the days when Krishnan taught her even though she had 'two left feet'.
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
Actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi also condoled the loss of her former teacher.
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
Actress Athiya Shetty, who was also among the students of the late Krishnan, paid tribute to her former teacher.
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
While there are not many actors who learn Kathak, actor Karanvir Bohra was among the several students of Krishnan who joined the homage for the late actor-choreographer.
So true @priyankachopra we will miss his #chilla days.... Sand the #pooja days https://t.co/oBl0ATfApr
— Karanvir Bohra (@KVBohra) September 7, 2019
Krishnan's final rites were performed at a crematorium in Santa Cruz on Sunday.