PM Narendra Modi ‘deeply saddened’ by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj, said ‘irreparable loss’

New Delhi: Prime minister Narendra ModiCondoled the sad demise of Kathak maestro on Monday Pandit Birju Maharaj, The famous dancer passed away on Sunday (January 16) at the age of 83, according to his relatives. The whole country is in shock due to his death and many people including PM Narendra Modi have been hurt.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister took to Twitter to condole the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj using a heartfelt note and a picture of the two.

He wrote in Hindi, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave a special recognition to Indian dance form across the world. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and admirers.” There is condolence. Time of sorrow. Om Shanti!”

Have a look at his tweet:

Pandit Birju Maharaj journey as a dancer

Pandit Birju Maharaj was a direct descendant of the Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, which includes his two uncles – Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his father and mentor, Achan Maharaj.

She started getting training in dance form from her young days by her father and uncles.

Pandit Birju Maharaj’s first major solo performance was at the Manmath Nath Ghosh Festival in Bengal and since then there has been no looking back.

Awards and recognition

The Kathak maestro has been honored with several prestigious awards including India’s second highest civilian award – Padma Vibhushan.

Other awards bestowed on him are Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Kalidas Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Andhra Ratna, Nritya Vilas, Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Shiromani Samman, Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award.

He has also received honorary doctorates from Banaras Hindu University and Khairagarh University.

Apart from his immense contribution to the classical dance form of Kathak, Pandit Birju Maharaj has also choreographed some Bollywood songs like ‘Aan Milo Sajna’ from ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’.

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