PM Modi expresses anguish over death of Kathak Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Famous Kathak dancer Birju Maharaj died at his home here on Monday morning, his granddaughter said. He was 84 next month.
Maharaj-ji, as he is known, died surrounded by his family and students. They were playing ‘antakshari’ after dinner when he suddenly became ill, Ragini Maharaj told PTI.
The composer of Kathak, one of India’s most famous artists, suffered from kidney failure and was undergoing dialysis treatment. She probably died of a heart attack, said her granddaughter.
We rushed him to the hospital but we could not save him, ”he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the sudden death of Kathak Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj.
In his tweet, Modi thanked Pandit Birju Maharaj for his amazing contribution to the Indian dance form.
“I am deeply saddened to read of the disappearance of Pandit Birju Maharaj, who gave Indian art a special recognition worldwide. An irreparable loss in the art world. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti,” he wrote on Twitter.
Maharaj-ji, as he is popularly known, died surrounded by his family on Monday after suffering a stroke. He was 83 years old.
The Kathak athlete was reportedly suffering from kidney failure and was being treated for one month.