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Indian Dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj Died At 83

Posted by by Upendra Singh Sisodia 17/01/2022 3 Min Read
Birju Maharaj Died
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Indian Kathak legend dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj has died at the age of 83 at his home in Delhi late Sunday after suffering a heart attack.

According to NDTV reports, Birju Maharaj was playing with his grandsons late on Sunday night when his health deteriorated and he became unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

“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 am. 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,” Birju Maharaj’s granddaughter Ragini, a Kathak dancer herself, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

“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.

Indian Prime Minister says, “भारतीय नृत्य कला को विश्वभर में विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाने वाले पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका जाना संपूर्ण कला जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं। ओम शांति!”

Indian President also says that “The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers.”

Indian Dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj Died At 83