Pandit Birju Maharaj, the legendary Kathak dancer, died of a heart attack, at 83. His grandson confirmed the news on Instagram. He was fondly referred to as Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by followers and disciples.
Reportedly, he was playing with his grandsons late on Sunday, when his health took a turn for the worse and Birju Maharaj fell unconscious. Pandit-ji was then rushed to Delhi’s Saket Hospital and was declared dead there. Diagnosed with kidney disease a few days back, Pandit-ji was undergoing dialysis.
Also Read | End of an era: Pandit Birju Maharaj’s death sends social media in grief
Ragini Maharaj, his granddaughter told ANI “He was under treatment for the past month. He had sudden breathlessness at around 12:15-12:30 am last night; we brought him to the hospital within 10 mins, but he passed away. He loved gadgets, always wanted to buy them at the earliest. He always said, if not a dancer, he’d have been a mechanic, his image in my mind will always be smiling”.
Born to a family of Kathak dancers, Pandit Birju Maharaj was first trained by his father, and then came under the tutelage of his uncles. He’s often said that his own performing style draws from the best of both, incorporating the precise footwork taught to him by his father, Acchan Maharaj, and the stylized movements of uncles Lacchu and Shambhu Maharaj.
Also Read | Pandit Birju Maharaj, Kathak legend’s awards and achievements
With wide expertise in playing percussion instruments like the tabla, naal, and violin, Pandit-ji also displayed considerable command as a vocalist. Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan and Ghazal were all forms he was comfortable with. His expertise in choreography also helped him popularize dance dramas, and he’s been part of several films in varying capacities, including the auteur Satyajit Ray’s ‘The Chess Player’.
His masterful storytelling was incorporated in his dance, capturing the audience’s attention each time. Pandit Birju Maharaj was also adept at including day-to-day events in his performances with the help of detailed descriptions.
