Kathak Maestro Birju Maharaj’s Demise a Huge Loss to World of Performing Arts, Says CM Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has condoled the death of Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj and said that it is a huge loss to the world of performing arts.

“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj. He was an institution in himself and the demise of legendary dancer is a huge loss to the world of performing arts. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, disciples and followers”, the Odisha CM tweeted.

Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Kathak maestro #BirjuMaharaj. He was an institution in himself and the demise of legendary dancer is a huge loss to the world of performing arts. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, disciples and followers.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 17, 2022

The living legend of Kathak, Birju Maharaj, who had been diagnosed with kidney disease a few days ago and put on dialysis, died at his home here late on Sunday. He was 83.

Maharaj ji, as he was popularly known, was said to be playing with his grandsons when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, requiring him to be rushed to the hospital, where he died of a heart attack.

A recipient of the country’s second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, Maharaj ji was also a lifelong Kathak guru as well as a talented Hindustani classical singer and percussionist.