Pandit Birju Maharaj, a legendary Kathak dancer, died at the age of 83

Pandit Birju Maharaj, a Kathak maestro, died on Sunday (January 16) at the age of 83, according to his relative, who spoke to news agency ANI.

Pandit Birju Maharaj, the Kathak maestro, has died, according to a family member.

Pandit Birju Maharaj was a direct descendent of the Kathak dancers Maharaj family, which included his two uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, as well as his father and master, Acchan Maharaj. His father and uncles began training him in the dancing genre when he was quite small. Pandit Birju Maharaj's first major solo performance was during Manmath Nath Ghosh's Bengal festivities, and he hasn't looked back since.

Singer Adnan Sami took to Twitter to share his grief at the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj. "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 the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius. May he rest in peace," wrote the singer.

Filmmaker Ashok Pandit also tweeted for the maestro and wrote, "Sad to know about the demise of kathak legend & vocalist Padma Vibhushan Pandit #birjumaharaj ji after suffering a heart attack in Delhi.

Its an end of an era. My heartfelt condolences to his family & near ones."

Padma Vibhushan Pandit #birjumaharaj ji, kathak legend and vocalist, passed away in Delhi after suffering a heart attack.

Many important accolades have been bestowed to the Kathak maestro, including India's second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan. Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Kalidas Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Andhra Ratna, Nritya Vilas, Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Shiromani Samman, Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award are among the other honours bestowed upon him.

Banares Hindu University and Khairagarh University have both awarded him honorary doctorates.

Apart from his contributions to Kathak as a classical dance form, Pandit Birju Maharaj has also choreographed Bollywood songs such as 'Aan Milo Sajana' from 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.'

Pandit Birju Maharaj was a skilled singer, poet, and drummer in addition to dancing. For acclaimed filmmaker Satyajit Ray's'Shatranj Ke Khiladi,' he directed, created music, and sung for two classical dance sequences (The Chess Players).