Pandit Birju Maharaj - A Tribute

                                           Pandit Birju Maharaj 

                              4 February 1937 – 17 January 2022

Yesterday, We lost another great artist of Indian classical music and dance - Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Brijmohan Nath Mishra-  simply known as Birju Maharaj was a leading exponent and torch-bearer of one of the most difficult classical dances of India, known as Kathak.

His constant efforts took Kathak to a whole new level - and made people take note of and respect this dance form - not only in India but in western countries as well.

He is known as the Father of Kathak dance - because, without him, the art of Kathak dance might have died and disappeared. 

I had the privilege of meeting this great artist at the house of Shrimati Ashoka Rao - a student of Pandit Lachu Maharaj and Arjun Mishra (an uncle and student of Birju Maharaj, respectively) who teaches Kathak dance in a wider Michigan area. 

After spending a day with Pandit ji, I found him not only a great artist but a great human being as well - he was very simple and humble - very friendly, and loving. 

During dinner, Ashoka ji told me that Pandit ji refused to stay at a hotel and wanted to stay at their home. He preferred simple home-cooked meals and a family environment over a five-star hotel and fancy restaurant food. 

Pandit Birju Maharaj was not only a dancer. He was also a sensitive poet and captivating orator - and an excellent singer of Thumri, Dadra, and Bhajans. 

He gave his first dance performance at the age of seven, and at the age of thirteen, he was invited to Delhi to teach Kathak at Sangeet Bharati. 

He won several honors and awards, including the Prestigious Padma Vibhushan (1986).

Known for his facial expressions - fast and nimble artistic feet movements - Pandit Birju Maharaj is considered the epitome of Kathak.

He will be greatly missed in the circles of Indian classical music and dances.  

                                                       ' Rajan Sachdeva '

At Ashoka Rao's house - Flint Michigan

(Picture - from the web)

Picture - taken from the web

Note:

Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, which includes his two uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his father and guru, Acchan Maharaj.