Birju Maharaj, the good Kathak exponent who took conventional Indian dance to the world, handed away on Monday. He was 83 years outdated. As the information of his demise was shared by his granddaughter Ragini Maharaj on his social media platform, many Bollywood celebrities and their followers mourned the loss.
Actor-politician Hema Malini was amongst those that paid tribute to the late dancer. “The nation mourns the passing away of a true legend, Shri Birju Maharaj, Kathak exponent Uttam. His ghungroos were on his ankles until he breathed his last. I have always admired and respected him as the medium of Kathak. And her presence on the dance stage will be missed,” the actor, who is himself a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, shared. on Twitter. Later, his daughter Esha Deol took to Twitter and wrote that the classical dancer was an “inspiration for generations to come back”.
Madhuri Dixit, who labored with him in three movies, wrote, “He was a legend, however he had an innocence. He was my mentor but additionally my good friend. He taught me the intricacies of dance and performing however by no means didn’t make me snigger together with his humorous anecdotes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that his loss of life is an irreparable loss to all the artwork world. “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, who gave Indian dance a particular recognition the world over. His passing is an irreparable loss to all the artwork world. My condolences to his household and followers on this hour of grief.”
Unique dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj has handed away. pic.twitter.com/WC9bTUkjE2
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) 17 January 2022
He was a legend however had a toddler like innocence. He was my mentor but additionally my good friend. He taught me the intricacies of dance and performing however by no means didn’t make me snigger together with his humorous anecdotes. pic.twitter.com/KfcqravsXX
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@madhurisaid) 17 January 2022
An enormous vacancy on this planet of Kathak dance…you’ll be missed Pandit Birju Maharaj ji. RIP 🙏
— Shankar Mahadevan (@shankar_live) 17 January 2022
The nice Pandit Birju Maharaj has left behind a void that may by no means be stuffed. Thank you in your immense contribution to the world of dance and galvanizing many like me together with your artwork. you’ll be missed. Peace to Pandit ji, Condolences to household and associates. pic.twitter.com/JhnzVGq3VG
— Yami Gautam Dhar (@yamigautam) 17 January 2022
Kamal Haasan shared an outdated image of himself when he was educated by the good Birju Maharaj. He known as her a “unique dancer”. Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Farah Khan was additionally one of many first to react to Maharaj’s demise. “The world has lost a real legend,” she famous through Twitter.
Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan shared an outdated image with Birju Maharaj. He stated his loss of life “marked the end of an era for Indian dance and Kathak.” “It has been a personal loss for me. He loved my family immensely and his memories will always remain in our hearts. Akash will dance for him today and everyday,” he shared.
Adnan Sami stated the nation had misplaced “a unique institution in the field of performing arts”. He has influenced generations together with his expertise. could he relaxation in peace.”
Maharaj-ji, as he was popularly identified, was surrounded by his household and disciples. His granddaughter Ragini Maharaj advised PTI, ‘He was with us when this occurred. He had his meal and we have been enjoying antakshari as a result of he favored outdated music. He was mendacity down and all of a sudden his respiration grew to become uneven. We suppose it was a cardiac arrest as he too was a coronary heart affected person. This occurred between 12.15 pm and 12.30 pm. It will need to have solely been a minute or so. We reached the hospital however sadly we couldn’t save him. He died earlier than reaching the hospital.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
