Pandit Birju Maharaj was declared dead on Sunday at a New Delhi hospital after suffering a heart attack. The veteran Kathak dancer was 83. 

In his decades-long career, Pandit Birju Maharaj Mishra has earned multiple awards and recognitions from both the Indian government and national and international cultural academies.

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According to the dancer’s official website, he “received recognition as a young dancer with great potential” after his first major solo performance at the Manmath Nath Ghosh celebrations.

His top achievements include Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. Pandit Birju Maharaj’s website added that he was also presented with the Sangeet Natak Academy Award at the age of 28.

Other awards include Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Kalidas Samman, Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award, Andhra Ratna, Shiromani Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Soviet Land Nehru Award and Nritya Vilas.

Khairagarh University and Banaras Hindu University have conferred with Pandit Birju Maharaj with honorary doctorate degrees.

The news of the veteran dancer’s demise has sent shockwaves through social media. Fans, followers and other members of the Kathak community paid their tributes in a series of posts. 

Padma Shri recipient Adnan Sami wrote in a post, “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.”

Pandit Birju Maharaj’s death was announced by his grandson Swaransh Mishra in an Instagram post. He wrote, “With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad and untimely demise of our most beloved member of the family Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji.”

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Ragini Maharaj, the granddaughter of Pandit Birju Maharaj said in a statement, “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”, ANI reported.

Media reports suggest that the legendary Kathak dancer was diagnosed with a kidney disease a few days ago and had been been on dialysis.