Indian Classical dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj dies at 83 following heart attack

Legendary Indian classical dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj has died of a heart attack at the age of 83. According to reports, the Kathak maestro was playing with his grandsons on Sunday at his home in Delhi when he collapsed. And after being taken to the hospital, he was declared dead not long after.

Maharaj’s granddaughter Ragini said to the media, “He had his dinner and we were playing antakshari (a sing-along game) because he loved old music.” She went on to say, “He was lying down… and suddenly his breathing became uneven. We think it was cardiac arrest as he was also a heart patient.”

“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 added.

Birju had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment, reports the Independent.

He was born in 1938 to a family of Kathak devotees and performers. His work contributed greatly to Indian cinema and introduced Kathak as a dance form to the world. He choreographed some of the most famous dances in films such as ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ (2014), and ‘Devdas’ (2002).

Many people, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid tribute to him. He said, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj, who gave Indian dance art form a special recognition across the world,” PM Modi wrote in Hindi. “His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief.”

Sachin Tendulkar added: “Pandit Birju Maharaj took Kathak from India to the world and inspired several people to take up the art.”

“I am saddened to hear about his demise. He will continue to live through his art & artists inspired by him. Deepest condolences to his family & Kathak lovers across the world,” he added.

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