Unknow facts about Legendary Kathak Dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj that Passed away due to heart attack

New Delhi: Pandit Birju Maharaj, a Kathak legend and exponent died at his home in Delhi late Sunday after suffering a heart attack. Pandit Birju Maharaj was 83.

He was the recipient of the country's second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan. He was fondly known as  Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his disciples and legions of followers. He represented India on various national and international platforms and was one of India's best-known artists.

End of an era.

Pandit Birju Maharaj no more.

Prayers for the departed soul. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/g6vKE2KLcK

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 17, 2022

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

Pandit Birju Maharaj Cause of Death

A few days ago, Pandit Birju Maharaj was diagnosed with kidney disease and had been on dialysis since. As per the reports, Birju Maharaj was playing with his grandsons late on Sunday night when his health suddenly deteriorated and he became unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.

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: Ragini Maharaj, granddaughter of Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj pic.twitter.com/hyUpruU9Eu

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2022

Pandit Birju Maharaj Biography

Pandit Birju Maharaj full name was Pandit Brijmohan Mishra. He was a Kathak dancer by profession who was highly revered for talent in India. He was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, currently resided in Delhi. He was born in the house of Kathak dancer, Jagannath Maharaj, popularly known as Acchan Maharaj of Lucknow Gharana. Jagannath Maharaj served as court dancer in Raigarh princely state. 

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

Pandit Birju Maharaj Age

He was born on 4 February 1938. He was 83 years old when he died on 16 January 2022. 

Pandit Birju Maharaj Family and Children

His father was Acchan Maharaj and his mother was called Amma Ji Maharaj. Information regarding his siblings is not available. 

His wife has a deceased whose name is unknown. He has 2 sons whose names are Jaikishan Maharaj and Deepak Maharaj. Also, he has 3 daughters, namely, Kavita Maharaj, Anita Maharaj and Mamata Maharaj. 

India loses one of her most precious jewels. Rest in peace Pandit Birju Maharaj. Thank you for your art and your role in the journey of Indian dance and culture. https://t.co/qKXH9v8Vj4

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) January 17, 2022

Pandit Birju Maharaj Education

He did his graduation from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He also attended Khairagarh University in Khairagarh. 

Pandit Birju Maharaj Career and Awards

Pandit Birju Maharaj started teaching dance at the young age of 13 at Sangeet Bharti, New Delhi. Later on, he taught at the Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi, and at the Kathak Kendra where he was at the position of  Head of Faculty, and director. He retired in 1998. The name of the dance school was Kalashram. 

Awards 

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-1964

• Padma Vibhushan-1986

• Nritya Choodamani Award by Sri Krishna Gana Sabha-1986

• Kalidas Samman-1987

• Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar

• National Nritya Shiromani Award

• Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award

• National Film Award for Best Choreography for Unnai Kaanaathu (Vishwaroopam)-2012

• Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for Mohe Rang Do Laal (Bajirao Mastani)-2016

This is utterly shocking!! Padma Vibhushan awardee Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away at the age of 83 due to heart attack! Guruji was an exponent of Lucknow Gharana of Kathak. Blessed to be part of this Gharana.🙏
Rest in Power GURUJI 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/zZOXqgztjv

— 𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒂 (@Dushtu_Mishti_) January 17, 2022

Pandit Birju Maharaj Unknown Facts

• He belongs to the family of legendary Kathak dancers, his uncles are the famous Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj. His father is also a renowned figure, Acchan Maharaj.

• Pt. Birju Maharaj’s first recital was at the age of 7.

• He was trained in his family.

• He choreographed the song for the movie Devdas, the song “Kahe Ched Mohe”, “Deewani” song from Bajirao Mastani, Umrao Jaan and more. 

• His father passed away when he was just 9 years old. 

Passing away of Legendary Kathak Maestro & Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji is a great loss to the Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family.

ॐ शांति शांति !#BirjuMaharaj pic.twitter.com/9DIbglorpp

— BJP Kisan Morcha (@bjpkm4kisan) January 17, 2022