Kathak exponent Pt Birju Maharaj said: "He was the king of tunes and rhythms. I am in Los Angeles and wanted to meet him. He said a few days ago that he was not well. I'm really sad after hearing this. We have lost a big star. There are a lot of memories attached to him. I used to play tabla with him at his Feroze Shah house. His blessings were always with me."