Legendary Kathak Dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away at 83
First Published: 17th January, 2022 8:58 IST
Legendary Kathak Dancer Birju Maharaj, fondly called Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his disciples is no more. The Kathak maestro breathed his last at his home in the wee hours of
Legendary Kathak Dancer Birju Maharaj, fondly called Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his disciples is no more.
The Kathak maestro breathed his last at his home in the wee hours of Monday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 83.
As per reports, Maharajji was reportedly playing with his grandsons when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, following which he was rushed to the hospital. He later died of a heart attack.
Notably, he was diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and was on dialysis.
BirjuMaharaj, who belongs to Lucknow Gharana, was born on 4 February 1937. Apart from being a Kathak dancer, he was also a classical singer.
Also Read: Forbes names Assam’s Adil Hussain as one of the 8 ‘Outstanding Actors’ in ‘Hindi Entertainment’
The internationally acclaimed dancer was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1986. Apart from this, he also received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Kalidas Samman.
The Banaras Hindu University and Khairagarh University also conferred honorary doctorates on BirjuMaharaj.
Popularly known as Pandit Birju Maharaj, he also choreographed dance moves for films like Devdas, DedhIshqiya, UmraoJaan and Baji Rao Mastani to name a few.
Meanwhile, fans, friends, and public figures from the entertainment industry have taken to Twitter to convey their condolences for Maharajji’s death.
Singer Adnan Sami took to Twitter and wrote, “Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer- PanditBirjuMaharajji. We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius. May he rest in peace.#BirjuMaharaj,”
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb also expressed his heartfelt condolence for the legendary dancer.
“Extremely saddened by the passing away of the Kathak Samrat, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharajji. His passing is an irreparable loss to the art world. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Chief Minister tweeted.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live NPF to lead in all 13 constituencies of Outer Manipur with huge margin: Party MLA Achumbemo Kikon
26th April 2024Live Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: BJP’s Darrang-Udalguri candidate Dilip Saikia casts his vote
26th April 2024Live Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: AIUDF’s Nagaon candidate Aminul Islam casts his votes
26th April 2024Live 94-year-old woman casts her vote in Ukhrul Outer Manipur
26th April 2024WE RECOMMEND
Voting begins in 88 seats in second phase of Lok Sabha elections
IMD has forecast normal weather for phase two Lok Sabha polls.
26th April 2024Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 2: India gets ready to vote tomorrow
Among the 1206 candidates are 61 candidates contesting for 5 Lok Sabha seats of Assam, 9 candidates contesting for the Tripura East seat and 4 candidates contesting for the Outer Manipur seat.
25th April 2024Trade between India-Bangladesh flourishing through Assam’s Karimganj
The local businessmen, traders, and local people are expecting that the trade (export and import) between the two neighbouring countries will increase more in the coming days.
25th April 2024Nitin Gadkari faints while addressing poll rally
Gadkari is contesting from the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency which underwent a poll on April 19.
24th April 2024Lok Sabha polls: Om Birla eyes hattrick of wins in Kota, to face Congress’ Prahlad Gunjal
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Birla defeated Congress' Ijyaraj Singh with a margin of 2,00,782 votes. Later, Ijyaraj Singh joined the BJP.
24th April 2024