Kathak Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj: Pandit Birju Maharaj was the face and pioneer of the Kalka Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow, a master of Kathak and one of India’s most respected and loved artistes. Legendary Kathak dancer Birju Maharaj enthralled audiences for over 60 years with his performances and choreography.
Panditji, a pioneer in Indian classical dance, received the Padma Vibhushan in 1986 for his achievements in the performing arts. At the age of 13, she started training as an Indian classical dancer. Birju Maharaj passed away at the age of 83 on January 17, 2022. The nation is celebrating his 85th birthday on 4th February this year.
Remembering Pandit Birju Maharaj through his works, awards and famous songs he choreographed.
Pandit Birju Maharaj’s work
Birju Maharaj belonged to the famous Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, which includes his father Achchan Maharaj and two uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj. She choreographed many popular Bollywood songs and is appreciated for her expertise in Indian classical dance.
Panditji was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1986 in the field of performing arts. For his work in Vishwaroopam, he received several awards including Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award, Sangeet Kala Ratna, Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi Classical Music Life Achievement Award and National Film Award for Best Choreography in 2012.
Pandit ji won many national and international awards. He also received honorary doctorates from Banaras Hindu University and Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya.
He was a gifted poet, Kathak dancer and dynamic public speaker, especially proficient in Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan and Ghazals. His poetry covers a wide variety of themes, including satire, modern poetry, and devotion to Krishna. He is written under the pen name Brij Shyam.
Famous Bollywood Songs Choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj
In movies like Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj ke Khiladi in 1977, Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Devdas (2002), Vishwaroopam (2012), Bajirao Mastani (2015), and Kalank, Birju Maharaj choreographed several notable dance scenes (2019).
One of his favorite students was Madhuri Dixit, with whom he worked in the films Dil To Pagal Hai, Devdas and Dedh Ishqiya. He also designed the choreography for Mohe Rang Do Lal, which Deepika Padukone learned to dance Kathak from in the film Bajirao Mastani. Alia Bhatt received training from Pandit Birju Maharaj before performing in the 2019 Bollywood song Ghar More Pardesiya.