"Madhumati-jee was truly a 'star'-maker and my life-coach," recalls Chunky Pandey! Akshay Kumar praises Madhumati as his "first and forever dance-guru" !! By Sr. Journalist Chaitanya Padukone

Sad, shocking tragic news!  Popular yesteryear agile star dancer-actress Madhumati Deepak (real name Hutoxi Reporter) is 'no more'! The charming, versatile acting coach "Guru-Maa", who was ailing, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday (Oct 15th) early morning.

The final funeral rites were held around 5.30pm last evening in the presence of her bereaved actress-dancer-dance-Guru sister, Vaishali ( based in Thane) and her family at the Oshiwara ( Andheri West) crematorium. Also deeply mourning were a large number of her acting academy ex-students including Shagufta ( Meethi), Adi Irani, Anamika (Anu Pal), Khabir Khanna,  Arzoo ( Sushiela Bhakkar) and her veteran dancer-actress colleague-friend Jeevankala Kelkar who was seen sobbing bitterly and (her building neighbour) celeb-singer Jaspinder Narula.

Among those who expressed their heartfelt condolences thru social media ( Instagram etc)   include her celeb ex-students Akshay Kumar, Chunky Pandey, Vindu Dara Singh and many moreAs is known, over past four decades, Madhumati-jee has been an acting-dance Guru  to some of the top stars including Akshay Kumar, Amrita Singh, Tabu, Chunky Pandey,, Vindu Dara Singh, Govinda, Kimi Katkar, Sonam Mukesh Rishi, and so many more.

My first and forever guru. Everything I know about dance, I learnt at your feet, Madhumati ji. Har ada, har expression mein aapki yaad hamesha saath rahegi. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Vo288LSMRZ

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 15, 2025

Madhumati's ex-student star-actor Chunky Pandey exclusively spoke to me on phone and he was in tears as he shared "What success and stardom I am enjoying today, Madhumati has played a 'major role' in it.  Madhumati-jee was indeed a 'star'-maker and my life-coach,. When we trained under her, she made all of us feel, enthusiastic, self-confident and groomed us for the perfect dance movements, body-language, facial expressions. She introduced me to several famous film-makers and spoke very kind words about me to various directors and senior legendary actors. I will always miss her forever and her endearing charming smile. She will always live in our hearts and I am sure she will keep blessing us from the heavens above

Meanwhile star-actor Akshay Kumar who trained under her as "Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia' ( his real name) praises Madhumati as his "first and forever dance-guru ! Everything I know about dancing  I learnt at her feet Her adaa, her expressions --these fond memories will remain with me--always. " 

Madhumati's movie ( 'Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi'--year 1966)  co-star and family friend veteran star Biswajeet-Dada lamented "A great agile graceful dancer-actress and a kind-hearted, helpful courteous human being has left this world. Madhu-jee  will always remain alive our hearts,"

Ex-student Vindu Dara Singh with tears in his eyes reacted, "Guru-Maa Madhumati-jee lived a beautiful dignified life. We need to celebrate her awesome dance legacy, She was not just a mentor-celeb-teacher, she was always like our family .In her own unique way, she has danced thru people's hearts! Every dance move we all make, today will always dedicated to her"!

On May 30th, this year, 'zinda dil', Madhumati-jee Manohar Deepak  ( who has been my close family-friend for past over three decades) celebrated her 84th birthday with her acting academy ex-students amidst joshilay cheers and she even 'danced' with them! 

Graceful, dignified Madhumati who has danced into people's hearts with her numerous hit-songs is known for the iconic classical title song 'Tere Naina' from Talash(1969) and for being cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar's co-star in Marathi movie "Saawli Premachi"!  

Speaking to me,  the dignified senior legend Madhumati had said, "It's the genuine emotional apnapan of my ex-students and loyal well-wishers and fans which keeps me going ahead, despite my recurring health-issues. For most of them, I am also like an inspiring, guiding Mother-figure" 

Classically trained versatile dancer Madhumati who has danced to numerous hit-songs has performed to the iconic classical song 'Tere Naina' of first-ever One Crore plus budget film Talash(1969). Madhumati is also known for hundreds of versatile folk, western, romantic, cabaret dance-songs like  Huzurewala Jo Ho Ijaazat ( movie Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi) with her actor-dancer dynamic husband Manohar Deepak, Night in London ( movie title song-cabaret)  folk song O Meri Pran Sajni Champavati ( Annadata) with Gopi Krishna.

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