The kings of Kathak are no more / Renowned Kathak dancer Padma Vibhushan Birju Maharaj passed away due to heart attack, breathed his last at the age of 83

Renowned Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj has passed away due to heart attack. Padma Vibhushan awardee Birju Maharaj, 83, breathed his last on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday at Delhi's Saket Hospital. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, singer Malini Awasthi and Adnan Sami have also paid tribute to him through social media posts.

Birju Maharaj's granddaughter Ragini Maharaj told that he was undergoing treatment for a month. Last night around 12:15-12:30 he suddenly developed shortness of breath; After which he was brought to the hospital within 10 minutes, but his life could not be saved.

Yogi Adityanath, while paying tribute to Birju Maharaj Maharaj, wrote that 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 Shri Ram to grant the departed soul a place at his feet and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this loss.

कथक सम्राट, पद्म विभूषण पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी का निधन अत्यंत दुःखद है।

उनका जाना कला जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है।

प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत पुण्यात्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान व शोकाकुल परिजनों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।

ॐ शांति!

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 17, 2022

Malini Awasthi wrote – Today the rhythm of Indian music has stopped. The voices became silent. Price dropped to zero. Pandit Birju Maharaj, the king of Kathak, is no more. The Deodhi of Lucknow was deserted today. Maharaj ji, who spread the fragrance of the glorious tradition of Kalikabindadin ji all over the world, merged with infinity.

आज भारतीय संगीत की लय थम गई। सुर मौन हो गए। भाव शून्य हो गए। कत्थक के सरताज पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी नही रहे। लखनऊ की ड्योढ़ी आज सूनी हो गई। कालिकाबिंदादीन जी की गौरवशाली परंपरा की सुगंध विश्व भर में प्रसरित करने वाले महाराज जी अनंत में विलीन हो गए।
आह!अपूर्णीय क्षति है यह
ॐ शांति🙏 pic.twitter.com/dLBEy5aPqR

— मालिनी अवस्थी Malini Awasthi (@maliniawasthi) January 17, 2022

Adnan Sami wrote on social media – Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of great Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj. Today we have lost a unique institution in the field of art. He has influenced generations with his talent.

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

Birju Maharaj, who belongs to Lucknow Gharana, was born on 4 February 1938 in Lucknow. His real name was Pandit Brijmohan Mishra. Apart from being a Kathak dancer, he was also a classical singer. Birju Maharaj's father Achhan Maharaj, uncle Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj were also famous Kathak dancers.

Birju Maharaj choreographed dance for films like Devdas, Dedh Ishqiya, Umrao Jaan and Baji Rao Mastani. Apart from this, he also gave music in Satyajit Ray's film 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi'.

Birju Maharaj was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1983. Along with this, he has also received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Kalidas Samman. The Banaras Hindu University and Khairagarh University also conferred honorary doctorates on Birju Maharaj.

In 2012, he was awarded the National Film Award for Dance Choreography in the film Vishwaroopam. In 2016, Bajirao Mastani's Mohe Rang Do Lal won the Filmfare Award for his choreography.