Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj’s demise leaves the industry shattered. An irreparable loss to the nation as Pandit Ji, one of the best-known artists of India dies.
Pandit Birju Maharaja, The Legendary Kathak Exponent Dies At 83
Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj died yesterday due to a cardiac arrest. According to the sources, Pandit Birju Maharaj was spending quality time with his grandsons, and soon his health started deteriorating. He became unconscious and was taken to the hospital immediately, where he was declared dead. Doctors revealed that the Kathak exponent was a heart patient. Also, he had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment.
The whole nation is mourning the demise of India’s legendary Kathak exponent, Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji.
Birju Maharaj was a descendent of the Maharaja family of Kathak dancers. Fondly called Pandit Ji or Maharaj Ji by his disciples and legions of followers, he was a legendary artist of the nation. Apart from being a Kathak exponent, Pandit Ji was an excellent drummer, was passionate about playing the Tabla and Naal.
Besides, Pandit Ji had an elegant voice and had command over Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan and Ghazal.
Pandit Maharaj was a blessing to our nation in the form of an artist-cum-legendary Kathak exponent.
India Mourns The Demise Of The Legendary Artist
Soon after news of his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated paying tribute to the legend on social media. The PM tweeted, ”Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance art a special recognition across the world. His passing is an irreparable loss to the world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!”
In an interview, Pandit Ji once revealed that Madhuri Dixit was his favourite. ”Madhuri Dixit is one of my most favorites. She treats me like a guru (teacher). To date, she calls me and asks me when I am coming to Mumbai. She also asks me to spend an evening with her whenever I am in the city”, said Pandit Ji. On recalling the memories of her earlier works with Pandit Birju Maharaj, Madhuri Dixit writes, “He was a legend but had a childlike innocence. He was my guru but also my friend. He taught me the intricacies of dance and Abhinay but never failed to make me laugh at his funny anecdotes.” She further continues, ”He has left behind grieving fans and students but also left a legacy we will all carry forward. Thank you Maharajji for everything you taught me in dance along with humility, elegance and grace. Koti koti pranam,”
Kamal Hassan tweeted, ”We’ve lost a peerless dancer like Pandit Birju Maharaj. For several years, I learned from him, from a distance as Eklavya did.. then I got to learn from him in person for the film Vishwaroopam. ‘Without you in sight, I’m not who I am.”
Birju Maharaj Ji has given magnificent dance choreographies to Bollywood and adhered that only a few filmmakers acknowledge the beauty of classical dance. According to him, only a few has the vision to grab the aesthetic dance form.
India has lost a jewel, it is an irrevocable loss for the entire nation. May his soul rest in peace.