Birju Maharaj
Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj dies
Lucknow: Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj died at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday.
He was 83.
According to media reports, he died after suffering a heart attack.
He was an exponent of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak dance in India.
Pandit Birju Maharaj was born on February 4, 1938 in Lucknow. Initially his name was ‘Dukh Haran’, which was later changed to ‘Brijmohan’, a synonym of Krishna. Brijmohan Nath Misra was shortened to ‘Birju’, which remains the name he is fondly known by.
His father, Acchan Maharaj, recognised his talent and took him under his guidance. However, his father died soon leaving nine-year-old Birju under the guidance of Shambhu Maharaj. His uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj also taught him Kathak at an early age.
He was an exponent of Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Kathak.
The Government had honoured him with the country's second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 1986. He received Sangeet Natak Academy Award at the age of 28.
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
President Ram Nath Kovind mourned his death and 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."
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
Indian PM Narendra Modi also tweeted in Hindi to express his condolence on the death of the dancing legend.
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