Veteran actress Saira Banu has paid an emotional tribute to her Kathak teacher, Padma Shri awardee Roshan Kumari, who recently passed away at the age of 82. Known for sharing memories and stories from her life on Instagram, the actress looked back on her special bond with the celebrated dancer through a series of black-and-white photographs.
On Friday, Saira Banu posted the pictures on her Instagram account and penned a heartfelt note expressing her grief over the loss of her guru. She also reflected on the lessons, affection and lifelong memories she gained from her association with the legendary Kathak artist.
Saira Banu Recalls Her Special Bond With Guru Roshan Kumari
In her emotional message, Saira Banu described Roshan Kumari as much more than a dance teacher. Over the years, their relationship grew into a close personal bond, with the dancer becoming a confidante, friend, elder-sister figure and a member of her family.
Recalling how she first approached Roshan Kumari to learn Kathak as a young girl, Saira wrote that she had no idea at the time how deeply her teacher would influence her life.
The actress also credited her guru with teaching her that dance goes beyond physical movements. According to Saira, Kathak represents discipline, devotion and expression, while offering a way to communicate the deepest emotions of the heart.
Roshan Kumari Was Present at Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar’s Wedding
Saira Banu also recalled that Roshan Kumari was present at one of the most important moments of her personal life: her wedding to legendary actor Dilip Kumar. Having her teacher by her side on such a special occasion remains one of the memories she continues to treasure.
Paying tribute to Roshan Kumari’s artistic legacy, the actress praised her as an extraordinary performer and a true representative of the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak.
She remembered the dancer’s powerful footwork, mesmerising spins and graceful stage presence, which together made her performances distinctive. Saira also highlighted the elegance and dignity that defined Roshan Kumari both as an artist and as a person.
Saira Banu Praises Roshan Kumari’s Performance in ‘Jalsaghar’
Among the dancer’s many memorable performances, Saira Banu specifically mentioned her appearance in Satyajit Ray’s Bengali drama Jalsaghar. She recalled the nearly 10-minute Kathak sequence as one of the remarkable moments in Indian cinema.
According to the actress, Roshan Kumari had the rare ability to command the screen through her charisma and performance, making the entire scene come alive.
Beyond her achievements on stage, Saira fondly remembered her guru’s personal style. She shared that Roshan Kumari loved wearing sarees, dressing elegantly and taking pride in her appearance. Her effortless charm, she noted, could draw everyone’s attention without her having to say a word.
Saira further observed that Roshan Kumari never needed to proclaim her greatness because her art spoke for itself. She expressed gratitude for having been her student, adding that whatever understanding she developed of Kathak’s grace and discipline came from her teacher’s guidance and affection.
Saira Banu’s Heartfelt Farewell to Her Beloved Guru
Concluding her tribute, Saira Banu said that the lessons she would cherish most were not limited to dance but also included the values her guru had instilled in her heart.
Rather than saying goodbye, the actress expressed a wish to meet her teacher again, writing that some bonds continue beyond death through the memories people hold close.
She ended her note with an emotional message, hoping that Roshan Kumari’s ghungroos would continue to ring somewhere beyond this world. Saira also expressed her desire to remain worthy of the honour of having once been called the legendary dancer’s student.
Signing off with love and deep respect, the actress offered her final pranam to the guru who had left a lasting impression on both her artistic journey and her personal life.