New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI): People from different walks of life are paying heartfelt tributes to Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj. Political fraternity, too, expressed grief after learning about the demise of Birju Maharaj.
“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,” President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.
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.
Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu, described Pandit Birju Maharaj as “an institution and inspiration.” “Deeply saddened by the passing away of the legendary Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj. The world renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and an inspiration across the globe. His death is a huge loss to the world of performing arts,” he wrote on Twitter.
The 83-year-old, who was the torchbearer of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana of the Lucknow style of Kathak, breathed his last on Monday. Reportedly, he suffered a heart attack.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted that Pandit Birju Maharaj and Kathak were complementary and synonymous to each other.
प.बिरजू महाराज और कथक एक दूसरे के पूरक व पर्याय थे। उन्होंने भारतीय कला-संस्कृति को विश्वपटल पर नई ऊंचाइयों पर पहुँचाया। उनका निधन देश के लिए अपूरणीय क्षति है। उनके परिजनों व प्रशसंकों के प्रति संवेदनाएँ व्यक्त करता हूँ। ईश्वर दिवगंत आत्मा को अपने श्रीचरणों में स्थान दें। ॐ शांति
Paying her heartfelt condolences, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, tweeted, “India loses a legend of performing arts. Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj is no more. Born into a family of Kathak masters, belonging to the Lucknow gharana, Pandit Birju Maharaj took kathak to wider audience. Took forward the traditions,held through generations,with great elan.”
India loses a legend of performing arts. Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj is no more.
Born into a family of kathak masters, belonging to the Lucknow gharana, Pandit #birjumaharaj took kathak to wider audience. Took forward traditions,held through generations,with great elan. https://t.co/vimvG0EXzh
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, too, mourned the demise of Birju Maharaj.
“Received the sad news of the demise of Kathak maestro Shri Birju Maharaj.My condolences to his family, friends and fans. His contribution to the field of Indian classical dance is unparalleled and he will be remembered for it,” he wrote.
Received the sad news of the demise of Kathak maestro Shri Birju Maharaj. My condolences to his family, friends and fans. His contribution to the field of Indian classical dance is unparalleled and he will be remembered for it. pic.twitter.com/Em7S3RFre6
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the Kathak maestro’s demise.
He tweeted, “The demise of Kathak Emperor, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji is extremely sad. His passing is an irreparable loss to the art world. Praying to Lord Ram to grant the departed soul a place at his feet and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this loss.”
कथक सम्राट, पद्म विभूषण पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी का निधन अत्यंत दुःखद है।
उनका जाना कला जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है।
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत पुण्यात्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान व शोकाकुल परिजनों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।
The Kathak legend was a recipient of the country’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan. He was fondly called Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his fans and followers.
