WEB DESK
President Ram Nath Kovind has said that the demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. In a tweet, he said, it leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. Mr Kovind said, he became an icon, making an unparalleled contribution to popularising Kathak globally.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said, the world-renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and an inspiration across the globe. He said, his death is a huge loss to the world of performing arts.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet, said, his demise is an irreparable loss to the entire art world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, mourned the tragic death of Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj. The renowned dancer died on Sunday (Jan 16) at the age of 83 as per his relatives. His demise has left the whole country in shock and saddened many including PM Narendra Modi.
He wrote in Hindi, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance art a special recognition across the world. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief. om Shanti!”
Birju Maharaj, one of India’s best known and most loved artistes, was from Lucknow’s Kalka-Bindadin Gharana. He is survived by five children, three daughters and two sons, and five grandchildren.
He had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment for the last month due to high diabetes. He probably died of a cardiac arrest, his granddaughter said.
“He was with us when this happened. He had his dinner and we were playing ‘antakshari’ because he loved old music. He was lying down… and suddenly his breathing became uneven. We think it was cardiac arrest as he was also a heart patient.
“This happened between 12.15 and 12.30 a.m. It must have been just a minute or so. We rushed to the hospital but unfortunately, we could not save him. He died before reaching the hospital,” Ragini Maharaj said. Ragini Maharaj, a Kathak dancer herself, said the only solace for the family is that he did not suffer too much in his last moments.
“Two of his disciples and his two granddaughters, my younger sister Yasyashashwini and me, were with him when this happened. He was laughing and smiling in his last moments,” she said.