Delhi: Kathak Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj passed away in the early hours of Monday after suffering a heart attack. He was 83. This news came after a day of his nephew and disciple passing away at 78.
Pandit Birju Maharaj was born in 1937 and belonged to a family of Kathak legends. He was also the recipient of country’s second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. It will not be wrong to say that Pandit Birju Maharaj’s name was synonymous to the dance form in India.
He also has choreographed prominent actors like Madhuri Dixit, Deepika Padukone and Kammal Hassan.
Condolonces poured in after the news of his demise. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, President Ramnath Kovind and other personalities took to twitter to condole the death of the legend.
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 President of India 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