Papon recalls meeting with Pandit Birju Maharaj: ‘Blessed to have spent time with him’

Pandit Birju Maharaj crossed generations and geographies to touch a raga in different ways with different artists. One of them is singer-composer Papon, who is known to the world as Angaraag Mahant, who had tweeted a heart touching message of Maharaj ji’s demise. In his quest to popularize the Kshatriya dance form of Assam, Papon spent time with Maharajji and received an immediate warm response from the maestro, which he recorded in the second episode of his YouTube series, ‘The Land of the Sacred Beats’ Is.

“Blessed to spend time with this greatness of a child hearted personality,” Papon tweeted on Monday. He said that he regretted that “I could not meet Maharajji again for the dream I had with him”.

He was talking of possible collaboration with Maharajji to bring Kshatriya dance into the mainstream. Papon ended his tweet in Assamese: “Zanti Paok Toor Atmai! (May your soul rest in peace!)”

Along with the tweet, Papon took an old picture of him in black-and-white with Maharajji at the Ustad’s house in Delhi.

Legendary Kathak dancer passed away due to heart attack. He was 83 years old. He was at his home in Delhi. Brijmohan Mishra, who was affectionately called Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his students and followers, was one of the most famous artists of India. He was the recipient of Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian honour.

He is said to have been playing with his grandson when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, for which he had to be taken to the hospital, where he died of a heart attack. He died surrounded by his family and disciples. He is survived by five children, three daughters and two sons and five grandchildren.

(with IANS inputs)