Adieu to Pandit Birju Maharaj: Check out unknown details about the Kathak legend
Kathak maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj left for his heavenly abode at the age of 83 reportedly due to a heart attack. He was diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and was put on dialysis. 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.” As he left an unavoidable void, take a look at some interesting facts about the legend who will continue to rule the hearts of his million fans. ETimes brings you some unknown facts about the dance legend. Read on:
Early life
Pandit Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the legendary Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, including his uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj and his father and guru, Acchan Maharaj, Birju Maharaj. He started performing at the tender age of seven when he gave his first recital and went on to mentor dance form at the age of 13 only.
Bollywood connection
Apart from Kathak, Pandit Birju Maharaj also had his contribution to the film industry when he choreographed for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’, ‘Vishwaroopam’, ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’. He won the National Film Award in 2012.
Read also: Bollywood mourns the demise of Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj
Singing talent
Apart from dance forms, he also had a zeal for singing and even composed music and songs for movies like ‘Shatranj ke Khilari’ and more. Reportedly, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, and Ghazals are his strength.
Love for cars
Did you know he also had a keen interest in cars? He once reportedly revealed that if not for his dance skills, he would have surely been a mechanic.
Hollywood
As much as Pandit Birju Maharaj loved Hindi films, he also enjoyed watching Hollywood flicks. Infact, Jackie Chan and Sylvester Stallone were among his favourite actors, reportedly.