Malini Awasthi wrote – Today the rhythm of Indian music has stopped. The voices became silent. Price dropped to zero. Pandit Birju Maharaj, the king of Kathak, is no more. The Deodhi of Lucknow was deserted today. Maharaj ji, who spread the fragrance of the glorious tradition of Kalikabindadin ji all over the world, merged with infinity.कथक सम्राट, पद्म विभूषण पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी का निधन अत्यंत दुःखद है।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 17, 2022
उनका जाना कला जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है।
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत पुण्यात्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान व शोकाकुल परिजनों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।
ॐ शांति!
Adnan Sami wrote on social media – Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of great Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj. Today we have lost a unique institution in the field of art. He has influenced generations with his talent.आज भारतीय संगीत की लय थम गई। सुर मौन हो गए। भाव शून्य हो गए। कत्थक के सरताज पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी नही रहे। लखनऊ की ड्योढ़ी आज सूनी हो गई। कालिकाबिंदादीन जी की गौरवशाली परंपरा की सुगंध विश्व भर में प्रसरित करने वाले महाराज जी अनंत में विलीन हो गए।
— मालिनी अवस्थी Malini Awasthi (@maliniawasthi) January 17, 2022
आह!अपूर्णीय क्षति है यह
ॐ शांति🙏 pic.twitter.com/dLBEy5aPqR
Birju Maharaj, who belongs to Lucknow Gharana, was born on 4 February 1938 in Lucknow. His real name was Pandit Brijmohan Mishra. Apart from being a Kathak dancer, he was also a classical singer. Birju Maharaj's father Achhan Maharaj, uncle Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj were also famous Kathak dancers.Birju Maharaj choreographed dance for films like Devdas, Dedh Ishqiya, Umrao Jaan and Baji Rao Mastani. Apart from this, he also gave music in Satyajit Ray's film 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi'.Birju Maharaj was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1983. Along with this, he has also received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Kalidas Samman. The Banaras Hindu University and Khairagarh University also conferred honorary doctorates on Birju Maharaj.In 2012, he was awarded the National Film Award for Dance Choreography in the film Vishwaroopam. In 2016, Bajirao Mastani's Mohe Rang Do Lal won the Filmfare Award for his choreography.Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer- Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 16, 2022
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.🙏🖤#BirjuMaharaj pic.twitter.com/YpJZEeuFjH