A bad news has come out for the country this morning. Pandit Birju Maharaj, a famous Kathak dancer in the country and the world, left his mortal body today. The demise of Kathak Emperor Birju Maharaj is a great loss to the music world. Padma Vibhushan awardee Birju Maharaj, 83, was at Delhi’s Saket Hospital on Sunday night where he died of a heart attack. His grandson Swaransh Mishra gave this information through social media. Posting a picture of Birju Maharaj, he wrote, ‘It is with extreme sadness and sorrow to inform that the most dear member of our family has passed away at the sad and untimely demise.’ After this, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, singer Malini Awasthi and others have paid tribute to him through social media posts.
Let us tell you that according to Ragini, the granddaughter of Birju Maharaj, Birju Maharaj was under treatment for the past one month, but at around 12:15 last night, he had difficulty in breathing; After which he was admitted to the hospital, but his life could not be saved.
Talking about Birju Maharaj, he was born on 4 February 1938 in Lucknow, coming from his Lucknow gharana. His real name was Pandit Brijmohan Mishra. Birju Maharaj’s father Achhan Maharaj, uncle Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj were also famous Kathak dancers. Carrying on the family legacy to become the best Kathak dancer. Along with this, he was also a classical singer. Birju Maharaj received many honors. In 1986, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Kalidas Samman are prominent. Along with this, he received honorary doctorates from Banaras Hindu University and Khairagarh University.
Birju Maharaj, who brought fame to India and Kathak all over the world, has also contributed to the Hindi film world. In 2016, he received the Filmfare Award for choreography for the song ‘Mohe Rang Do Lal’ in the Hindi film Bajirao Mastani. In 2002, he was awarded the Lata Mangeshkar Award. Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for ‘Vishwaroopam’ in 2012 and Best Choreography for ‘Bajirao Mastani’ in 2016.