One of the leading exponents of Kathak, Pandit Birju
Maharaj is a renowned classical dancer of India. He was born on 4th
February, 1938 as Brijmohan Nath Mishra. He hails from the legendary
Maharaj family of Kathak dancers of Lucknow and is the son of Acchan
Maharaj. His uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj are also renowned
dancers of Kathak. The life history of Pandit Birju is an interesting
one. Read this short biography of Birju Maharaj that captures his life.
Birju Maharaj was trained by his father and uncles who were renowned
dancers of that time. His first public performance was at the age of
seven. Unfortunately, his father passed away when he was just nine years
old. His family moved to Delhi after struggling in Lucknow. Once in
Delhi, he started to teach Kathak at the Sangeet Bharti at the young age
of just 13! After that he taught at Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi and
also at Kathak Kendra. He was made the Head of Faculty and Director here
and he retired in the year 1998.
Pandit Birju Maharaj is not just a flawless dancer, but a fabulous
singer too and has mastered Hindustani classical music as well. It is
due to his constant efforts that Kathak has reached new heights of
popularity and acceptance among a wider audience in the country. He has
choreographed many Kathak dance dramas and has performed in numerous
concerts. He has traveled extensively and has performed in many
countries.
This flawless dancer has showed his talent by choreographing dance
sequences for movies like Shatranj ke Khiladi, Devdas, Dil toh Pagal
Hai, Gadar, etc. He has toured all over the world and has performed in
countries like USSR, USA, Japan, UAE, UK, France, Germany, Italy,
Austria, Czechoslovakia, Burma, Ceylon, etc. He has trained many young
students and has taken Kathak to new heights due to his determination
and hard work.
Awards:
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Dances of India |
