His granddaughter said that legendary Kathak dancer Birju Maharaj died in the early hours of January 17 at his home here. He would have turned 84 next month.
Maharaj-ji, as he was popularly known, was surrounded by his family and disciples. Ragini Maharaj told PTI that he was playing Antakshari after dinner, when suddenly his health deteriorated.
Birju Maharaj, one of India's most famous and most loved artists, belonged to the Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Lucknow. His family consists of five children, three daughters and two sons and five grandchildren.
He was suffering from kidney ailment and was undergoing dialysis treatment for the past one month due to high diabetes. His granddaughter said he probably died of cardiac arrest.
"He was with us when it happened. He ate his food and we were playing 'antakshari' because he liked old music. He was lying down ... and suddenly his breathing became uneven. We think it was cardiac Was arrested because he was also a heart patient.
Ragini Maharaj said, "It happened between 12.15 pm to 12.30 pm. It must have been just a minute or so. We reached the hospital but unfortunately, we could not save him. He died before reaching the hospital." Kathak dancer Ragini Maharaj herself said that the only consolation for the family is that they did not suffer too much in their last moments.
"Two of his disciples and his two granddaughters, my younger sister Yasyashwini and I, were with him when it happened. He was laughing and smiling in his last moments," he said.
The news of the death of the Kathak maestro, who would have turned 84 on 4 February, caused a wave of mourning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his death is an irreparable loss to the entire art world.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, who gave Indian dance a special recognition across the world. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief. " The minister said.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the artist as a "legend of the performing arts".
भारतीय नृत्य कला को विश्वभर में विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाने वाले पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका जाना संपूर्ण कला जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं। ओम शांति! pic.twitter.com/PtqDkoe8kd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2022
Affectionately called Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his disciples and followers, he said that the younger generation has many opportunities to learn compared to his time.
In his last interview with PTI in December, Birju Maharaj had said that the future of Kathak, one of the most beautiful classical dance forms, was bright with the new generation in India carrying on the tradition.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee said, “Artists who work diligently to carry forward the tradition are the true pioneers of an art form and its legacy. It takes a lot of hard work to stay true to a powerful tradition like classical dance. And that requires dedication."
Brajmohan Maharaj or Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the Maharaja family of Kathak dancers. He took training from his father and guru Achan Maharaj and uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj.
Singer Durga Jasraj, daughter of the late Pandit Jasraj, called Birju Maharaj's death "a great loss to the Indian performing arts".
It's a monumental loss to Indian performing arts. Legendary Pt Birju Maharaj ji's departure has left us poorer Shattered 💔 Pray Maharaj ji's soul rests in rhythmic peace Deepest condolences to his family, disciples & fans across the world
— Durga Jasraj (@durgajasraj) January 16, 2022
Om Shanti 🙏#Rip #RIPBirjuMaharaj ji pic.twitter.com/hlCxCWxrk5
He wrote on Twitter, "We have become poorer, shattered with the passing of the great Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji. Praying that Maharaj Ji's soul rest in rhythmic peace. Deepest condolences to his family, disciples and fans across the world. Condolences. Om Shanti," he wrote on Twitter.
Composer Adnan Sami said, "We have lost a unique institution in the field of performing arts. He has influenced generations with his talent."
Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer- Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 16, 2022
We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius.
May he rest in peace.🙏🖤#BirjuMaharaj pic.twitter.com/YpJZEeuFjH
Condoling the death of Kathak exponent Birju Maharaj, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that the word performing arts has suffered a great loss due to his death.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of the legendary Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj. The world renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and an inspiration across the globe. His death is a huge loss to the world of performing arts. pic.twitter.com/afhJVOnAjS
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 17, 2022
The Vice President's Secretariat tweeted, quoting Naidu, "The world renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and inspiration across the globe. His passing away is a great loss to the world of performing arts."
The Vice President said, "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti."
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