Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj died in New Delhi after suffering a heart attack . He was 83. Pandit Birju Maharaj is a recipient of the country’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan.
The 83-year-old doyen was the torchbearer of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana of the Lucknow style of Kathak. He was known for his perfect rhythm and expressive gesture language.
noted social worker and Padma Awardee Smt Shanti Devi also passes away today
Birju Maharaj was born as Brij Mohan Nath Mishra on February 4, 1937 in a well-known Kathak dancing family. He began performing as a child alongside his father, and became a Guru in his teens. By the time he was 28, Birju Maharaj’s mastery of the dance form had won him the coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Information and Broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur have expressed grief over the passing away of the legendary dancer.
Mr Kovind said the demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. Mr Naidu said, the world renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and an inspiration across the globe. Prime Minister In a tweet said, his passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world.
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