Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj passed away on early Monday morning after suffering a heart attack. A recipient of India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, Pandit Birju Maharaj was known for his brilliant rhythmic choreography and contribution to performing arts. Confirming the news, his granddaughter Ragini Maharaj told ANI, “He was under treatment for the past month. He had sudden breathlessness at around 12:15-12:30 am last night, we brought him to the hospital within 10 mins, but he passed away.”

While the news has rattled the entire country, PM Narendra Modi and many other renowned names from Bollywood and other industries joined the bandwagon of fans, paying tribute to the legendary artist. “Deeply saddened at the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance form a unique recognition across the world. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief,” PM Modi tweeted.

भारतीय नृत्य कला को विश्वभर में विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाने वाले पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका जाना संपूर्ण कला जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं। ओम शांति! pic.twitter.com/PtqDkoe8kd

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2022

The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 17, 2022

कथक सम्राट, पद्म विभूषण पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी का निधन अत्यंत दुःखद है।

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!

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 17, 2022

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, singer Adnan Sami and other celebs also paid tribute to the Kathak legend.

My first learning from kathak dance maestro was in my college youth festival when he expressed a romantic conversation between lord krishna n radha thru his two eyes talking. I learnt ‘DANCE means body but soul is in eyes.
That’s y he was a Jagat guru in kathak💃🏽
RIP BIRJU SIR🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/yeWT5Fv23v

— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) January 17, 2022

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.🙏🖤#BirjuMaharaj pic.twitter.com/YpJZEeuFjH

— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 16, 2022

Sad to know about the demise of kathak legend & vocalist Padma Vibhushan Pandit #birjumaharaj ji after suffering a heart attack in Delhi.
Its an end of an era .
My heartfelt condolences to his family & near ones .
ॐ शान्ति !
🙏 pic.twitter.com/4DJrPmXSaC

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) January 17, 2022

Born in a well-known Kathak dancing family, Pandit Birju Maharaj joined his father (Jagannath Maharaj, popularly known as Acchan Maharaj of Lucknow Gharana) and started performing at a young age. And within no time rose to fame and established himself as one of the best artists in the country, representing India in various festivals across the globe. Apart from Kathak, Pandit Birju Maharaj is also a fantastic singer and drummer, according to his official website.

Pandit Birju Maharaj, may you rest in peace.

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