World renowned Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj passed away at his residence in Delhi in the early hours of Monday, at his Delhi residence. Sunday, 16 January. The 83-year-old had reportedly suffered from a heart attack.
He was diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and had been on dialysis and was one of the most famous faces of India’s Kathak dancers all over the world. Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the Maharaj family of Kathak dancers and an exponent of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak.
He was sent by the Government of India to represent the country in cultural festivals to the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Europe, Sri Lanka and so on. His solo performances eventually became integral parts of internationally renowned music festivals and he would often tour the world delivering lectures as well.
He was also a noted personality in the Indian film industry. He composed two dance sequences in Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977) directed by Satyajit Ray and subsequently, composed the choreography of ‘Kaahe Ched Mohe’, a graceful performance by Madhuri Dixit, in 2002-film Devdas (2002). Maharj ji also worked as a choreographer in well-known movies like ‘Dedh Ishqiya’, ‘Umrao Jaan’, and ‘Bajirao Mastani.’
Through the course of his illustrious career he had garnered many awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Aurard, the Padma Vibushan and the Sangam Kala Award, along with honorary doctorates from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya and Banaras Hindu University.
Maharaj ji started his own dance school, Kalashram, in Delhi, which reflected a shade of rural set-up amidst the busy and fast-moving urban lifestyle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj. The Prime Minister has also said that his passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world.
He wrote on Twitter in Hindi, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance artform 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!”
