Kathak Maestro Birju Prasad passes away aged 83

Kathak Dancer, Birju Maharaj
Kathak Maestro Birju Maharaj recently passed out owing to health issues.
Kathak Dancer, Birju Maharaj
Kathak Maestro Birju Maharaj recently passed out owing to health issues.

Pandit Birju Maharaj, a Kathak great, died late Sunday at his residence in Delhi after suffering a heart attack. He was 83 years old when he died.
He was affectionately known as Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his pupils and legions of fans, and was one of India’s best-known performers. He was a recipient of the country’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan.

Birju Maharaj was playing with his grandsons late on Sunday night when his health deteriorated and he passed out, according to sources. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“He had been receiving treatment for a month. He became breathless at 12:15-12:30 a.m. last night, and we rushed him to the hospital within 10 minutes, but he died “Birju Maharaj’s granddaughter, Ragini Maharaj, informed ANI.

The Kathak performer had a renal problem and was undergoing dialysis treatment.

Birju Maharaj was a Kathak dancer’s descendent, as were his two uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, as well as his father and master, Acchan Maharaj.

The Kathak icon was also a fantastic drummer, capable of playing practically any drum with ease and precision, with a particular fondness for the Tabla and Naal.

Birju Maharaj was a master vocalist who could do Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, and Ghazal.

He was a brilliant storyteller, weaving episodes from his life into his performances to engage the audience. He was also intensely observant, and he constantly had something to say about everyday events, amusing those around him with accurate impersonations.

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