Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away due to heart attack at 83

Mumbai : Legendary Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj passed away on Monday after suffering a heart attack at an age of 83 years.

He had been suffering from kidney related problems from past two years.

Maharaj ji’s grandson Swaransh Mishra told Bornofweb.com: "As usual, Maharaj ji was sitting with his granddaughter and disciple. In fact, he was playing Sarod around 12 midnight. Soon After that, he began to feel uneasy. He was immediately taken to hospital and was pronounced dead when doctors arrived."

Pt. Birju Maharaj is known for promoting kathak dance form; he has performed in several nations. He was a great singer with a strong hold over Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan and Ghazals. He had made his debut at the age of seven. More than a Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj was a sensitive poet and charming speaker.

Birju Maharaj is the name who took Indian kathak dance form to the western countries. Birju was introduced to Kathak at an early age, and he later mastered the nuances of arguably one of the most difficult classical dances in India. Famous for his facial expressions and flexible foot movements, Pandit Birju Maharaj is seen by many as the epitome of Kathak.

Singer Adnan Sami paid his tribute on Twitter and 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."