Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away at age 83

MUMBAI: India's leading Kathak exponent and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Pt Birju Maharaj, passed away early Monday after suffering a heart attack.
The 83-year-old doyen, who was the torchbearer of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana of the Lucknow style of Kathak, breathed his last at New Delhi's Saket Hospital.

His grandson Swaransh Mishra shared the news of his demise on social media and wrote, "Very sad to announce..Pt birju maharaj ji.. my nana ji is no more. With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad and untimely demise of our most beloved member of the family Pt Birju Maharaj ji. The noble soul left for his heavenly abode on 17th January 2022."


Ragini Maharaj, grandaughter of Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj pays homage.
Born February 4, 1938, into the family of Kathak revivalist Ishwari Prasadji, Birju Maharaj was the son of Pt Achhan Maharaj. His father though passed away when he was just nine, leaving him in the care of his illustrious uncles Pt Lachhu Maharaj and Pt Shambhu Maharaj.

Initially his name was ‘Dukh Haran’, which was later changed to ‘Brijmohan’, a synonym of Krishna. Brijmohan Nath Misra was then shortened to ‘Birju’.

He began performing at an early age, and by seven, he had travelled to several parts of India with his father. Solo shows began at a young age too.
Right in the early part of his career, Pt Birju Maharaj was sent by the Government of India to represent India at various festivals. He toured Russia, USA, Japan, UK, UAE, France, Germany, Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic among other countries.
Adieu to Pandit Birju Maharaj: Some unknown things about the Kathak legend
It is no small measure of his talent that Pt Birju Maharaj was conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award at the young age of 28. He has variously received the Kalidas Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Andhra Ratna, Nritya Vilas, Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Shiromani Samman, and Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award apart from an honorary doctorate from Benaras Hindu University.
The world of cinema turned to this genius whenever it required authentic Kathak dance to carry forward its storyline. Pt Birju Maharaj choreographed both exquisite sequences in Satyajit Ray's 'Shatranj Ke Khilari' -- one featuring Amjad Khan as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah surrounded by his queens, the other featuring a solo by Saswati Sen.
He also choreographed Madhuri Dixit twice, once in 'Dil Toh Paagal Hai' and again in 'Devdas' (Kaahe chhed). A song sequence in Gadar had the fortune of his guidance too.
Pt Birju Maharaj is father to five children, three daughters and two sons.