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Pandit Birju Maharaj, legendary Kathak dancer, passed away on Monday, leaving a gaping loss in the artistic sphere in his wake.
Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj died at the age of 83, leaving the whole country in shock. The renowned dancer's demise was confirmed by his relatives.
Birju was the recipient of several awards and although his soul has departed for the heavens, his legacy will live on for eternity. Many prominent public figures and Bollywood celebrities took to social media to mourn the loss of Birju Maharaj.
Singer Adnan Sami took to Twitter to share his grief at the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj.
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"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," wrote the singer.
Filmmaker Ashok Pandit also tweeted for the maestro and wrote, "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."
Singer Malini Awasthi also tweeted to mourn the loss of Birju Maharaj.
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She tweeted, "Today the rhythm of Indian music has stopped. The voices became silent. Price dropped to zero. Pandit Birju Maharaj, the king of Kathak, is no more. The Deodhi of Lucknow was deserted today. Maharaj ji, who spread the fragrance of the glorious tradition of Kalikabindadin ji all over the world, merged with infinity. ah! irreparable loss. peace."
The Kathak maestro has been conferred with numerous prestigious awards including India's second-highest civilian award – Padma Vibhushan. Other awards bestowed on him are Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Kalidas Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Andhra Ratna, Nritya Vilas, Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Shiromani Samman, Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award.