Kathak maestro Pt Birju Maharaj passes away at the age of 83

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1482917328346296320?t=HgfF331p_35ROeSxsfjcKA&s=19

https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1482907505990987780?t=iOfnB7KCYmyi6ZmB4ulxpg&s=19

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Mourning the demise of the maestro, singer Adnan Sami wrote on Twitter, “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.” The veteran dancer has choreographed many popular Bollywood dance sequences. In one of his last interviews, he was quoted as saying, “ Madhuri Dixit is one of my most favorites. She treats me like a guru (teacher). To date, she calls me and asks me when I am coming to Mumbai. She also asks me to spend an evening with her whenever I am in the city.Jackie Shroff treats me with the utmost respect. He gives me a call almost every 15 days. So there are many like these.”

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The living legend of Kathak, Birju Maharaj, who had been diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and put on dialysis, died at his home here late on Sunday. He was 83.

Maharaj ji, as he was popularly known, was said to be playing with his grandsons when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, requiring him to be rushed to the hospital, where he died of a heart attack.

A recipient of the country's second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, Maharaj ji was also a lifelong Kathak guru as well as a talented Hindustani classical singer and percussionist.

He will be remembered by cinema buffs for the two period dance sequences in Satyajit Ray's historical drama 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi' (for which he sang as well) and for the 'Kaahe Chhed Mohe' track picturised on Madhuri Dixit in the 2002 version of 'Devdas'.

Maharaj ji won the National Award for choreographing 'Unnai Kaanadhu Naan' in the Kamal Haasan multi-lingual megahit 'Vishwaroopam' and the Filmfare Awards for the Bajirao Mastani number 'Mohe Rang Do Laal'.

A legend gone..

Heartfelt condolences to his family and fans..

Such a huge loss... 2020s have been unforgiving so far...

Growing up I have danced on his compositions. Kathak dancers will keep him alive through his compositions for time immemorial.

RIP