‘An irreparable loss’: President Kovind, Vice President Naidu, PM Modi, others condole passing of Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj

New Delhi: Legendary Kathak dancer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj has passed away in the wee hours of Monday after suffering a heart attack.

The 83-year-old doyen breathed his last in New Delhi.

Taking to Instagram, Pandit Birju Maharaj's grandson Swaransh Mishra said, "With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad and untimely demise of our most beloved member of the family, Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji. The noble soul left for his heavenly abode on 17th Jan 2022. Pray for the departed soul.. Grief-stricken: Maharaj family"

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President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many other personalities expressed condolence on the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj.

President Ram Nath Kovind said, "The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers."

The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 17, 2022

Vice President took to Twitter and said, "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. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti!"

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— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 17, 2022

PM Modi shared a throwback picture with Pandit Birju Maharaj and wrote in Hindi, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji as he gave the Indian dance a unique recognition across the world. His death is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief."

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2022

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: "Pt. Birju Maharaj and Kathak were complementary and synonymous to each other. He took Indian art and culture to new heights on the world stage. His death is an irreparable loss to the country. I express my condolences to his family and fans. May God give place to the departed soul at his feet. Om Shanti."

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— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 17, 2022

"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. Deeply pained by his demise. His passing away is a monumental loss to the world of performing arts. Condolences to his family and admirers," said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

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.

Deeply pained by his demise. His passing away is a monumental loss to the world of performing arts. Condolences to his family and admirers.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 17, 2022

Taking to Twitter, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said: "The demise of Kathak Emperor, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji is extremely sad. His passing is an irreparable loss to the art world. Praying to Lord Ram to grant the departed soul a place at his feet and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this loss. Om Shanti"

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— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 17, 2022

He further said Pt. Birju Maharaj was one of the leading dancers of Lucknow Kalika-Bindadin Gharana of the classical Kathak dance.

Singer Adnan Sami shared a picture and post on his Twitter with the caption, "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. May he rest in peace" along with folded hands and blaack heart emojis.

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.
May he rest in peace. #BirjuMaharaj pic.twitter.com/YpJZEeuFjH

— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 16, 2022

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit: "Sad to know about the demise of kathak legend & vocalist Padma Vibhushan Pandit #birjumaharaj ji after suffering a heart attack in Delhi. Its an end of an era. My heartfelt condolences to his family & near ones" along with folded hands emoji.

Sad to know about the demise of kathak legend & vocalist Padma Vibhushan Pandit #birjumaharaj ji after suffering a heart attack in Delhi.
Its an end of an era .
My heartfelt condolences to his family & near ones .
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pic.twitter.com/4DJrPmXSaC

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) January 17, 2022

Pandit Birju Maharaj was born on February 4, 1938 in Lucknow. Initially his name was ‘Dukh Haran’, which was later changed to ‘Brijmohan’, a synonym of Krishna. Brijmohan Nath Misra was shortened to ‘Birju’, which remains the name he is fondly known by.

His father, Acchan Maharaj, recognised his talent and took him under his guidance. However, his father died soon leaving nine-year-old Birju under the guidance of Shambhu Maharaj. His uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj also taught him Kathak at an early age.

He was an exponent of Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Kathak.

The Government had honoured him with the country's second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 1986. He received Sangeet Natak Academy Award at the age of 28. (Inputs from UNI)