Pandit Birju Maharaj gave Indian dance a ‘unique identity’: PM Narendra Modi

Pandit Birju Maharaj was credited with giving a “unique identity to Indian dance” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who posted a photo along with the Kathak legend on Monday. Pandit Birju Maharaj died on Sunday at the age of 83.

PM Modi wrote on Twitter in Hindi, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who has given a unique identity to Indian dance across the world. His departure is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My thoughts are with his family and fans in this hour of mourning. Om Shanti!.”

Other prominent Indian politicians and artists also remembered the legendary Kathak dancer. India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh wrote about the 83-year-old’s contribution to the Lucknow gharana.

He wrote, “Pandit Birju ji Maharaj was a doyen of India’s art and culture. He popularised the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance form around the world.”

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Rajnath Singh added, “Deeply pained by his demise. His passing away is a monumental loss to the world of performing arts. Condolences to his family and admirers.”

Birju Maharaj died at his home here in the early hours of Monday, his granddaughter said. He died surrounded by his family and disciples. They were playing ‘antakshari’ after dinner when he suddenly took ill, Ragini Maharaj told PTI.

The Kathak exponent, one of India’s best known artists, had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment. He reportedly died of a cardiac arrest, his granddaughter said.

“We took him to the hospital immediately but we could not save him,” she said, according to reports from PTI.

Pandit Birju Maharaj has been presented with multiple awards through his decades long career. These include Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Kalidas Samman, Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award, Andhra Ratna, Shiromani Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Soviet Land Nehru Award and Nritya Vilas.