Kathak legend Pt Birju Maharaj passes away at the age of 83, Bollywood mourns the demise of the maestro

Kathak maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj passed away at the age of 83 reportedly due to heart attack. 

Maharaj who had been diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and put on dialysis, died at his home late on Sunday. 

His grandson Swaransh Mishra shared the news of his demise on social media and wrote, 

"Very sad to announce... Pt birju maharaj ji.. my nana ji is no more. With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad and untimely demise of our most beloved member of the family Pt Birju Maharaj ji. The noble soul left for his heavenly abode on 17th January 2022.”

Adnan Sami, one of the first artistes to pay his tributes to the master of Kathak, said in a tweet

"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."

Subhash Ghai, Ashoke Pandit and others also mourned the Kathak's legend demise. Ghai wrote, 

"My first learning from kathak dance maestro was in my college youth festival when he expressed a romantic conversation between lord krishna n radha thru his two eyes talking. I learnt ‘DANCE means body but soul is in eyes. That’s y he was a Jagat guru in kathak RIP BIRJU SIR(joining hands emoji)"

Also a talented Hindustani classical singer and percussionist, Maharaj ji was the son of Acchan Maharaj. His uncles were the renowned Shambhu Maharaj and Lacchu Maharaj.