Pandit Birju Maharaj

Only the hearts of art lovers would understand the distress and suffering since January 17th, 2022. Today, we will talk about the greatest legend in the world of Kathak - the one and only, Pt Birju Maharaj Ji.

If people know, learn, and admire Kathak in today's times, it is because of Maharaj Ji.

He is the source of making Kathak look more aesthetic and appealing to the viewers. If Kathak is a soulful treat to the eyes, then Maharaj Ji has a prominent role in making this happen. 

Born on February 4th, 1938, to the "Kalka-Bindadin Gharana", Pt. Brijmohan Mishra, fondly known as Pt. "Birju" Maharaj Ji, represented the seventh generation of the Lucknow Gharana. The style, elegance, and beauty of this Gharana used to make everyone spellbound. His dance was subtle, nuanced, delicate, yet vigorous. The way the Ghungroos were stringed on his ankles mimicked the sounds of a beautiful melody. Maharaj Ji would say - "Your ghungroos should sound as if they are talking to one another and not fighting." 

This is an integral lesson for every student of Kathak.

The element that makes an artist a holistic artist is when they are aware and knowledgeable of other art forms. Besides being a legendary Kathak artist, Maharaj Ji was equally adept in various singing styles, percussion and other instruments. Not only did he write countless Thumris, but he also composed and choreographed them for grand-scale dance productions across the world. His relentless efforts are a testament to his artistic talents.

Maharaj Ji's contributions go beyond the realms of Indian classical dance and music. He has influenced the music and melodies in the Hindi film industry to a great extent. Maharaj Ji worked as a choreographer and composer for many movies such as Devdas, Bajirao Mastaani, Umrao Jaan, Dedh Ishqiya, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, etc. Maharaj Ji even lent his voice for the song "Kahe Chhed Chhed Mohe" in Devdas.

Some of Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji's list of achievements and accolades include -

  1. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1964
  2. Receiving the Padmavibhushan title in 1986
  3. Nritya Choodamani Award in 1986
  4. Kalidas Samman in 1987
  5. Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar in 2002
  6. Sangam Kala Award
  7. Bharat Muni Samman
  8. Andhra Ratna
  9. Nritya Vilas Award
  10. Andhra Shila Shikhar Samman 
  11. National Nritya Shiromani Award
  12. Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavna Award
  13. National Film Award for "Best Choreography" (Vishwaroopam) in 2012
  14. Filmfare Award for "Best Choreography" (Mohe Rang Do Lal) in 2016

Maharaj Ji's children, Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj, Pt. Deepak Maharaj, Vidushi Mamta Maharaj; grandchildren Tribhuwan Maharaj, Ragini Maharaj, and Yashaswani Maharaj; along with his disciples, are spreading the fragrance and essence of Kathak across the globe. 

Maharaj Ji, we will always attempt to walk on the path you have created for us. May you continue to bless us all in our endeavours of keeping your art and teachings intact. 

Kathak is the most mesmerizing dance form woven around the concept of storytelling. 

Click here to know more about the different concepts related to charming dance mudras, and footwork such as Mudras In Dance & Padhant.

FAQs

Q.What are the songs whose choreography is done by pt Birju Maharaj in bollywood?
Ans .In the film gadar he choreographed Aan milo sajana In the film Devdas he choreographed and composed music for song Kaahe Chhed mohe The song Unnai kodu naan was choreographed by maharaj in the film Vishwaroopam . The song Jagave Sari Raina from Dedh Ishqiya was also choreographed by Maharaj ji Mohe rang do Laal song in Baji Rao Mastani was also choreographed by him . In Shatranj ke khiladi he gave music . In Umrao jaan he choreographed dance
Q. Pt . Birju maharaj is famous for which dance ?
Ans. Pt. Brijmohan Nath Misra ji popularly known as Pandit Birju maharaj is the legend in kathak dance belongs to Lucknow kalka- Bindadin Gharana . He is famous for kathak dance. Kathak has been synonymous with Birju Maharaj ji . He was a brilliant choreographer . He was equally proficient in diverse singing styles . Other than this he write countless thumris and composed them .
Q. Who is the wife and daughter of Pt Birju maharaj?
Ans.He was married with Anupurna devi at the age of 18 and she was 13 and he had five children Including 2 sons namely Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj , Pt. Deepak Maharaj and 3 daughter namely Kavita Maharaj , Anita Maharaj, Mamta Maharaj .
Q.How is madhuri dixit is related with pt Birju maharaj ?
Ans. Madhuri Dixit is the great admirer of Pt. Birju Maharaj and he also did choreographed her in songs for Devdas and Dedh ishqiya .
Q.When is the pt .Birju maharaj is died ?
Ans. He died from heart attack in Delhi at 12am on 17 jan 2022 , at age of 83.
Q.How old is pt. Birju Maharaj and where did he lives?
Ans.He was 83year old . He did not live long at his ancestral home .when he was 9 his father died and he struggles ,at the age of 15 Kapila vatsyayan bring him to Delhi.

Popular Articles

Popular Videos

Online Kathak Dance Classes
Kathak Club Fees
Kathak Club Fees
Online Kathak Dance Classes