Former legendary dancer Birju Maharaj expired at the age of 83 at his home in Delhi on January 17, 2022. The 83-year-old maestro suffered a heart attack and collapsed. In addition, he developed kidney problems and turned to dialysis.
Birju Maharaj especially Brijmohan Nath Mishra was born on February 4 at a Hindu brahmin family of Kathak dancers in the Handia region of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. He became a descendant of the Lucknow- Kathak family, himself a relative of Kathak dancers, including his uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his father, Acchan Maharaj. Maharaj established dancing at the age of 4 and was guided by his uncles and father. He started performing at his father’s concert events before playing solo at the age of seven in West Bengal.
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Maharaj started his dance training at the age of thirteen, at Sangeet Bharti in New Delhi. He then taught at Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi, and Kathak Kendra (Sangeet Natak Akademi unit) where he became Head of Faculty, and director, retired in 1998, and opened his dance school, Kalashram, in Delhi. Maharaj is admired because of his happy face and lightfoot movement, followed by the sound of rings on his ankles. He was always able to get suggestions on his way of life when he played and became a talented storyteller.
This maestro has become the recipient of Padma Bhushan, the second-highest civilian award. He also won the National film award for “Unnai Kaanaathu ‘(Vishwapooram) starring Kamal Hassan. He was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for his choreography in “Mohe Rang Do Lal’’ which featured Deepika Padukone. He entered Bollywood choreography with” Satrang Ke Khiladi “directed by Satyajit Ray. His contribution to the world of dance and culture is truly historic and will be continued by his amazing nation of students and disciples.
