The legendary kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj has passed away at his home at the age of 83. In 1986, he was awarded with one of India’s highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan. Political fraternity and many bollywood personalities mourned on his death.
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| Pandit Birju Maharaj was one of India’s most successful choreographers (Photo:-twitter) |
The legendary kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj has passed away at his home on monday morning. He was 83 years old and was to turn 84 next month. He was under treatment for the past month.
According to his granddaughter, he was playing ‘antakshari’ after having dinner and suddenly fell ill at around 12 am. His family and some disciples were with him when he breathed his last.
“He was under treatment for the past month. He had sudden breathlessness at around 12:15-12:30 am last night; we brought him to the hospital within 10 minutes, but he passed away,” Ragini Maharaj, granddaughter of Birju Maharaj told ANI.
He was under treatment for the past month. He had sudden breathlessness at around 12:15-12:30 am last night; we brought him to the hospital within 10 mins, but he passed away: Ragini Maharaj, granddaughter of Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj pic.twitter.com/hyUpruU9Eu
— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2022
Birju Maharaj was born on February 4, 1938. He was an exponent of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of kathak dance in India. He was a descendant of the Maharaj family of Kathak dancers which includes his father and guru Acchan Maharaj, his two uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj.
He was one of India’s most successful choreographers. In 1964, he won the Sangeet Natak Akademi award and In 1986, he was awarded with one of India’s highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan.
Political fraternity mourned on the death of Pandit Birju Maharaj. Prime minister Narendra Modi said that he gave Indian dance art a special recognition across the world and his passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world.
“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!,” PM tweeted.
भारतीय नृत्य कला को विश्वभर में विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाने वाले पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका जाना संपूर्ण कला जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं। ओम शांति! pic.twitter.com/PtqDkoe8kd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2022
“The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers,” President Ramnath Kovind tweeted.
The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 17, 2022
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of the legendary Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj. The world renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and an inspiration across the globe. His death is a huge loss to the world of performing arts,” Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti!,” he also wrote.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of the legendary Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj. The world renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and an inspiration across the globe. His death is a huge loss to the world of performing arts. pic.twitter.com/afhJVOnAjS
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 17, 2022
Popular bollywood personalities like Madhuri Dixit Nene, Hema Malini, Yami Gautam, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Anushka Sharma, Ananya Panday, Raveena Tandon, Anupam Kher, Kangana Ranaut, Kriti Sanon, Ranveer Singh, singer Adnan Shami and many others condoled the death of Birju Maharaj.