Veeru Krishnan

🪔 About

Veeru Krishnan (1959 – September 7, 2019) was an Indian film actor, Kathak dancer, and highly respected teacher, often referred to as 'Guruji' or 'Pandit Veeru Krishnan'. Born in 1959, he passed away in Mumbai at the age of 59-60. Krishnan's journey began in Madhya Pradesh, where he ran away from his hometown to Mumbai, driven by his passion for dance and to escape exploitation. He initially performed as a 'Londa nach' dancer, where young boys disguised as female dancers for entertainment. His formal training in Kathak began after he met the legendary Sitara Devi, who provided his initial guidance. He was later advised to further his training under the veteran Kathak exponent Chaube Maharaj. While he gained significant recognition as a Kathak mentor, some sources note that he did not achieve renown as a pure classical Kathak performer, as his dance style sometimes incorporated 'jhatkas' more suited for commercial films than classical purity. Nevertheless, his dedication to teaching and his ability to impart the dance form made him a prominent figure, particularly within the Bollywood industry. Veeru Krishnan became a sought-after Kathak guru, training numerous Bollywood celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Karanvir Bohra, Athiya Shetty, Tisca Chopra, Lara Dutta, and Isabelle Kaif. His students often lauded his patience, passion, and the life lessons he imparted alongside dance. Beyond his teaching, Krishnan also had a notable career as a film actor, appearing in several Hindi films. He was best known for his roles in movies such as 'Akele Hum Akele Tum' (1995), 'Raja Hindustani' (1996), and 'Ishq' (1997). His filmography also includes 'Namkeen' (1982), 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke' (1993), 'Dulhe Raja' (1998), and 'Mela' (2000). For his artistry, he was reportedly honored by former President K.R. Narayanan. Awards & Honours: Honored by former President K.R. Narayanan for his artistry.