Ill Birju Maharaj springs surprise

VADODARA: The Abhivyakti Gallery where Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj was to perform on Friday night was packed with his fans. As the audience waited eagerly, there came an announcement that Birju Maharaj won’t perform due to health concerns. Though disappointed, the audience stayed back to applaud performances by other artistes during Kathak Nrutya Mahotsav.However, most of his fans left just before midnight as they thought the legendary dancer won’t perform.
But, Birju Maharaj sprung a surprise as he decided to give performance because he didn’t want to disappoint the audience that had gathered to see him perform kathak. He performed for about 20 minutes and also explained ways of learning kathak in simple way. Local artiste Preeti Sathe, Birju Maharaj’s son Deepak Maharaj and his disciple Shashwati Sen too enthralled the audience.