Kathak Dance Legend and Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj has passed away at 83. He took the traditional Indian dance form to the world, popularly known as Maharaj-Ji. Birju Maharaj died at his home in Delhi due to cardiac arrest, his granddaughter confirmed.
The legendary kathak dancer died surrounded by his family and disciples. After dinner, they played ‘antakshari’ when he suddenly took ill, Ragini Maharaj, his granddaughter, told news agency PTI. One of India’s best-known artists suffered from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment. He probably died of a cardiac arrest, his granddaughter confirmed. “We immediately took him to the hospital, but we could not save him,” she said.
Condolence message poured in on social media, with many celebrities and famous personalities expressing grief over kathak Maestro’s death.
The demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj deeply saddened prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM tweeted in Hindi, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, who gave Indian dance art a special recognition across the world. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief. om Shanti!”
Madhuri Dixit was a student of Pandit Birju Maharaj, shared a throwback photo with the Maharaj-Ji on Twitter and paid her tribute. She wrote, “He was a legend but had a child-like innocence. He was my guru but also my friend. He taught me the intricacies of dance and Abhinay but never failed to make me laugh at his funny anecdotes.”
Madhuri further added, “He has left behind grieving fans and students but also left a legacy we will all carry forward. Thank you Maharajji for everything you taught me in dance along with humility, elegance and grace. कोटी कोटी प्रणाम #PanditBirjuMaharaj #Guruji #RIP.”
Pandit Birju Maharaj was from Lucknow’s Kalka-Bindadin Gharana. He is survived by five children, two sons and three daughters. Maharaj-Ji has received India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 1984 for his contributions in the field of dance.
Image Credit: Twitter \ T-Series.
