The exhibitor’s grandson, Swaransh, confirmed the news on Instagram. “With deep sorrow and profound sadness, we inform of the sad and untimely passing of our most beloved family member, Pt Birju Maharaj Ji. Deep soul departed for heavenly abode on January 17, 2022. soul of the deceased,” he said.

Another grandson also said: “Dada is no more”.

As soon as the news broke, people took to social media to express their condolences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written that the death of the maestro is a huge loss for the whole art world.

ृतभतीयतीय लोो ोोशशशष ववनपंडपंडत के जजू के के के कअत कअत कअत कअत उनका जाना संपूर्ण कला जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्ष एक अपूरणीय क.षत ीी घड़ीइघड़ी घड़ीमंीी ंवंवंवदीी कउपपपों के सपथ के केथ. ओमशांति! pic.twitter.com/PtqDkoe8kd

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2022

Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also remembered the exhibitor.

India is losing a performing arts legend. The representative of Kathak Pandit Birju Maharaj is no more.

Coming from a family of kathak masters, belonging to the gharana of Lucknow, Pandit #birjumaharaj brought kathak to a wider audience. Has carried forward the traditions, maintained through the generations, with great momentum. https://t.co/vimvG0EXzh

—Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 17, 2022

“Pandit Birju ji Maharaj was a dean of Indian art and culture. He popularized the Lucknow gharana of the Kathak dance form all over the world. Deeply saddened by his passing. His passing is a monumental loss to the performing arts world. Condolences to his family and admirers,” Defense Minister Rajnath Singh wrote.

Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences.

Received the sad news of the death of Kathak maestro Shri Birju Maharaj.
My condolences to his family, friends and fans.
His contribution to the field of Indian classical dance is unparalleled and he will be remembered for it. pic.twitter.com/Em7S3RFre6

—Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 17, 2022

Politician Sambit Patra also took to Twitter to express his condolences.

Kathak has lost one of its greatest exponents Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.

Watching Kathak will always have fond memories of Padma Vibhushan Maestro.

My sincere condolences and prayers for the soul of the deceased.
May Nataraja bless his family
Om Shanti🙏 pic.twitter.com/sCQ0T2a4Ap

— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) January 17, 2022

“Extremely saddened by the news of the death of legendary kathak dancer– Pandit Birju Maharaj ji. We have lost a unique performing arts institution. He influenced many generations with his genius. May he rest in peace [sic]“wrote singer Adnan Sami.

Extremely saddened by the news of the passing of legendary kathak dancer – Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.
We have lost a unique performing arts institution. He influenced many generations with his genius.
May he rest in peace.🙏🖤#BirjuMaharaj pic.twitter.com/YpJZEeuFjH

—Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 16, 2022

His favorite disciple, actor and Kathak dancer Madhuri Dixit Nene wrote on Instagram: “He was a legend but he had a childlike innocence. He was my guru but also my friend. He taught me the intricacies of dance and Abhinay but never failed to make me laugh with his amusing anecdotes. He left behind grieving fans and students, but he also left a legacy that we will all carry on. Thank you Maharajji for everything you taught me in dance with humility, elegance and grace.

Belonging to the Lucknow Gharana, Pandit Maharaj was also a singer par excellence.

He was awarded the country’s second highest civilian honor – Padma Vibhushan in 1986.

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