Pandit Birju Maharaj, the dancer of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, died in the early hours of Monday at his home in Delhi. He would have been aged 84 next month. He was popularly known as Maharaj-Ji.
Birju Maharaj was died surrounded by his family and disciples. They were playing ‘Antakshari’ after having dinner then he suddenly became ill, Ragini Maharaj told PTI, a news agency.
Pandit Birju Maharaj had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was taking dialysis treatment. His granddaughter said that he probably died of a cardiac arrest, She also said we took him to the hospital immediately but we could not save him.
Padma Vibhushan Birju Maharaj was born on 4th February 1937 in a well-known Kathak dancing family.
Last year, a book on the life of Birju Mahajan, titled Nritya Samrat Pt. Birju Maharaj, was launched. The book comprises 96 (22 in English and 70 in Hindi) short essays written by his disciples, admirers, associates and senior artists, associates, and well-wishers. It has been put together by a senior disciple of Birju Maharaj.
