Adnan Sami mourns Pandit Birju Maharaj’s demise, calls him ‘an unparalleled institution’

Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer- Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.”

Sami described Pandit Birju Maharaj as “an unparalleled institution.”

“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,” he added.

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.??#BirjuMaharaj pic.twitter.com/YpJZEeuFjH

— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 16, 2022

An exponent of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak dance in India, Pandit Birju breathed his last on Monday at his residence in Delhi. He was 83.

As per reports, Pandit Birju Maharaj suffered a heart attack.

Pandit Birju Maharaj’s grandson Swaransh Mishra, too, shared the unfortunate news on his social media.

“With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad and untimely demise of our most beloved member of the family, Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji. The noble soul left for his heavenly abode on 17th Jan 2022. Pray for the departed soul.. Grief-stricken: Maharaj family,” a note read on Swaransh’s Instagram account.

Apart from being a renowned Kathak dancer, Pandit Birju Maharaj was also a well-known classical singer and had lent his voice to several films.

For his remarkable contribution, the government of India had honoured him with the country’s second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 1986.