Pandit Birju Maharaj
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A brief biography
Bella Jaisinghani, January 17, 2022: The Times of India
Born February 4, 1938, into the family of Kathak revivalist Ishwari Prasadji, Birju Maharaj was the son of Pt Achhan Maharaj. His father though passed away when he was just nine, leaving him in the care of his illustrious uncles Pt Lachhu Maharaj and Pt Shambhu Maharaj.
Initially his name was ‘Dukh Haran’, which was later changed to ‘Brijmohan’, a synonym of Krishna. Brijmohan Nath Misra was then shortened to ‘Birju’.
He began performing at an early age, and by seven, he had travelled to several parts of India with his father. Solo shows began at a young age too.
Right in the early part of his career, Pt Birju Maharaj was sent by the Government of India to represent India at various festivals. He toured Russia, USA, Japan, UK, UAE, France, Germany, Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic among other countries.
It is no small measure of his talent that Pt Birju Maharaj was conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award at the young age of 28. He has variously received the Kalidas Samman, Nritya Choodamani, Andhra Ratna, Nritya Vilas, Adharshila Shikhar Samman, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Shiromani Samman, and Rajiv Gandhi Peace Award apart from an honorary doctorate from Benaras Hindu University.
The world of cinema turned to this genius whenever it required authentic Kathak dance to carry forward its storyline. Pt Birju Maharaj choreographed both exquisite sequences in Satyajit Ray's 'Shatranj Ke Khilari' -- one featuring Amjad Khan as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah surrounded by his queens, the other featuring a solo by Saswati Sen.
He also choreographed Madhuri Dixit twice, once in 'Dil Toh Paagal Hai' and again in 'Devdas' (Kaahe chhed). A song sequence in Gadar had the fortune of his guidance too.
Pt Birju Maharaj is father to five children, three daughters and two sons.
Early life
Pandit Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the legendary Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, including his uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj and his father and guru, Acchan Maharaj, Birju Maharaj. He started performing at the tender age of seven when he gave his first recital and went on to mentor dance form at the age of 13 only.
Bollywood connection
Apart from Kathak, Pandit Birju Maharaj also had his contribution to the film industry when he choreographed for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’, ‘Vishwaroopam’, ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’. He won the National Film Award in 2012.
Singing talent
Apart from dance forms, he also had a zeal for singing and even composed music and songs for movies like ‘Shatranj ke Khilari’ and more. Reportedly, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, and Ghazals are his strength.
Love for cars
Did you know he also had a keen interest in cars? He once reportedly revealed that if not for his dance skills, he would have surely been a mechanic.
Hollywood
As much as Pandit Birju Maharaj loved Hindi films, he also enjoyed watching Hollywood flicks. Infact, Jackie Chan and Sylvester Stallone were among his favourite actors, reportedly.
