Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj dies at 83

Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj died at his home in Delhi late on Sunday after suffering a heart attack. He was 83.

NDTV reported, “Birju Maharaj was playing with his grandsons late on Sunday night when his health deteriorated and he became unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he was declared dead. He was diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and had been on dialysis.”

Born as Brij Mohan Nath Mishra, Birju Maharaj came from the Maharaj family, which produced a number of famous Kathak dancers including his two uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and father Acchan Maharaj. “Known for his perfect rhythm and expressive abhinaya, or gesture language, Birju Maharaj developed his own unique style,” Hindustan Times reported.

Birju Maharaj received the Padma Vibhushan in 1986. In 2016, he won the Filmfare award for best choreography for Bajirao Mastani.

Birju Maharaj was also a talented singer and drummer.

Singer Adnan Sami tweeted, “We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius.”

BJP national vice president Baijayant Jay Panda tweeted, “The nation has lost an invaluable gem!”