Pandit Birju Maharaj Passes Away At 83

PM Modi and other leaders pay tribute!

Legendary Kathak Dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj Passed away on Sunday.  According to the ANI, The relatives of the Kathak maestro confirmed his death. He was at 83.

According to the statement given by her Granddaughter Ragini Maharaj "He had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment, He probably died of cardiac arrest."

Pandit Birju Maharaj was also a talented singer, poet, and drummer. He has been conferred with several prestigious awards including India's second-highest civilian award -Padma Vibhushan.

A few more are Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Kalidas Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Andhra Ratna, Nritya Vilas, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Rajiv Gandhi peace award, and many others are in the list. He also composed music and has also sung two classical dance sequences for Satyajit Ray's shatranj ke Khiladi.

Prime minister Narendra Modi and many other leaders pay tribute to the legendary Kathak Dancer. According to the tweet, the PM 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." Read the tweet.

President Ram Nath Kovind said his passing marked the "End of Era." 

Singer Adnan Sami tweeted and expressed his grief, "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 performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius. May he rest in peace "

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and many other celebrities and personalities expressed their condolences over the demise of the legendary Kathak Dancer.

Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji also choreographed some Bollywood songs like, "Aan Milo Sajana from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.