An End of an Era with the last spin of Khathak Guru

When words couldn’t do justice, his expressions said it all. When gestures failed to express emotions, a sweep of his feet and a swift mudra of his hand spoke more. India lost a legend when Pandit Birju Maharaj breathed his last on January 17.

His death, was the end of an era because Pandit Birju Maharaj did not only define a form of dance, he also put forth the beautiful art on the world map. Fondly known as Maharaj Ji to his disciples, Pandit Birju Maharaj contributions to dance remain unparalleled.

Maharaj Ji, as he was popularly known, died surrounded by his family and disciples. A recipient of the country’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, was born Brij Mohan Nath Mishra on February 4, 1937, in a well-known Kathak dancing family. The heartbreaking news of Pandit Birju Maharaj comes just days after his nephew and disciple Pt Munna Shukla passed away following a brief illness at 78.