New Delhi: Pandit Birju Maharaj, the legendary Kathak dancer has passed away on January 17. He was 83 when he breathed his last.
The news of his death was confirmed to ANI by his relatives. As per the report, it is being said that Pandit Birju Maharaj was playing with his grandsons on late Sunday night when he suffered a heart attack and fell unconscious. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.
His granddaughter Ragini Maharaj told ANI that Birju Maharaj was under treatment for the past month. She also informed that Pandit ji had sudden breathlessness at around 12:15-12:30am on Sunday, and was rushed immediately to the hospital within 10 minutes, but he passed away.
The kathak maestro's grandson Swaransh Mishra took to his Instagram account to confirm the news and express his grief over the same. Posting a picture of Pandit ji, Swaransh wrote,"With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad and untimely demise of our most beloved member of the family, Pandit Birju Maharaj. The noble soul left for his heavenly abode on 17th Jan, 2022. Pray for the departed soul. Grief-stricken. Maharaj Family."
Apart from being a Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj was also a well-known classical singer and had lent his voice to several films. His granddaughter Ragini said that he had a great liking for gadgets and always said that if not a dancer, he would have been a mechanic. Grieving over the loss of her grandfather, Ragini said she woud always remember the legend's smiling face.
Late Pandit Birju Maharaj's last rites would take place between 12pm-2pm on January 17, at the Lodhi Road crematorium.
Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, which includes his uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his father and guru, Acchan Maharaj.
He was awarded with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour in 1986, by the government of India, for his remarkable contribution.