The Kathak performer, one of India’s most well-known artists, has been undergoing dialysis therapy due to a renal problem.
Birju Maharaj, a legendary Kathak dancer, died at his home in the early hours of January 17, according to his granddaughter. Next month, he would have turned 84.
Maharaj-Ji, as he was affectionately known, passed away in the company of his family and disciples. After supper, they were playing “antakshari” when he became unwell, Ragini Maharaj told PTI.
Birju Maharaj, from Lucknow’s Kalka-Bindadin Gharana, was one of India’s most well-known and well-loved artists. Five children, three girls, and two boys, as well as five grandkids, survive him.
He had a renal problem and had been on dialysis for the last month because of his high blood sugar. His granddaughter believes he died of heart arrest.
“When this happened, he was among us.” We were playing ‘antakshari’ since he liked ancient music as he ate his meal. He was laying down when his breathing became irregular. We believe he died of cardiac arrest since he was a heart sufferer.
“This occurred between the hours of 12.15 and 12.30 a.m. It couldn’t have been more than a minute. We went to the hospital, but we were unable to rescue him. Ragini Maharaj claimed, “He died before reaching the hospital.”
The sole relief for the family, according to Ragini Maharaj, a Kathak dancer herself, is that he did not suffer too much in his final moments.
When this happened, he was accompanied by two of his pupils, his two granddaughters, my younger sister Yasyashashwini, and myself. In his last minutes, he was laughing and smiling, “she stated.
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
As word of the Kathak maestro’s demise, who would have been 84 on February 4, spread, condolences flooded in.
His death, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an “irreparable loss” to the whole art world.
“We are deeply sorry for the death of Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, who made Indian dancing a global phenomenon. His death has left the whole art world in a state of irreparable loss. In this hour of sadness, my condolences to his family and followers. ” According to the Prime Minister,
It's a monumental loss to Indian performing arts. Legendary Pt Birju Maharaj ji's departure has left us poorer Shattered 💔 Pray Maharaj ji's soul rests in rhythmic peace Deepest condolences to his family, disciples & fans across the world
Om Shanti 🙏#Rip #RIPBirjuMaharaj ji pic.twitter.com/hlCxCWxrk5— Durga Jasraj (@durgajasraj) January 16, 2022
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, called the performer a “legend of the performing arts.” His pupils and legions of followers affectionately referred to him as Pandit-Ji or Maharaj-Ji, and he once observed that the younger generation had many more possibilities to study than he did.
Birju Maharaj stated in a December interview with PTI that the future of Kathak, one of the most elegant classical dance styles, was bright in India, with the younger generation carrying on the legacy.
Artists who labour tirelessly to preserve a tradition are the proper torchbearers for an art form and its history. Staying committed to a powerful institution like classical dance takes a lot of effort and attention, according to the Padma Vibhushan awardee.
Brajmohan Maharaj, also known as Birju Maharaj, was a Kathak dancer who descended from the Maharaj dynasty. Acchan Maharaj, his father and guru, and uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, were his teachers. Birju Maharaj’s death was described as “a colossal loss to the Indian performing arts” by Durga Jasraj, daughter of the late Pandit Jasraj.
The passing of the illustrious Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji has left us poorer and more heartbroken. Pray that Maharaj Ji’s soul is at peace. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, followers, and admirers all around the world. Shanti Om “on Twitter, wrote
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
Adnan Sami, the composer, stated: “In the world of the performing arts, we have lost an unequaled institution. Through his brilliance, he has affected generations.”
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu expressed his condolences on the death of Kathak performer Birju Maharaj, stating that his death is a great loss to the world of dance.
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. pic.twitter.com/afhJVOnAjS
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 17, 2022
With his distinct style, the world-renowned Kathak exponent was an institution and an inspiration all across the world. His passing is a big loss for the performing arts world, “Naidu was quoted by the Vice President Secretariat in a tweet. My deepest sympathies go out to the grieving family members. Shanti Om, “According to the Vice President