Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away at 83

Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj passed away early on Monday. He was 83.

The Kathak exponent, one of India’s best-known artistes, had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment. "He probably died of a cardiac arrest," his granddaughter Ragini Maharaj said.

"Maharaj ji", as he was popularly known, died surrounded by his family and disciples. They were playing ‘antakshari’ after dinner when he suddenly took ill around 12.30 am. “We took him to a hospital immediately but could not save him,” she said.

Pandit Birju Maharaj was an exponent of the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow. Pandit Birju Maharaj received India's second-highest civil honour, the Padma Vibhushan, in 1984 for his contributions in the field of dance.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said: "His passing is an irreparable loss to the art world."

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! — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 17, 2022

Singer Adnan Sami expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying, "We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius."

Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer- Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.
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 pic.twitter.com/YpJZEeuFjH — Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 16, 2022

ALSO READ | Pandit Birju Maharaj: Transforming Traditions

Singer Malini Awasthi said: "Maharaj ji, who spread the glorious traditions of Kalikabindadin ji all over the world has merged with infinity."

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pic.twitter.com/dLBEy5aPqR — Malini Awasthi (@maliniawasthi) January 17, 2022

National Vice President of BJP Baijayant Jay Panda, too, expressed grief.

The nation has lost an invaluable gem!
Saddened to learn of the passing of legendary Kathak dancer & Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit #BirjuMaharaj ji.
My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family.
Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/x6HeUKQic3 — Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) January 17, 2022