Pandit Birju Maharaj (born Brijmohan Nath Mishra; 4 February 1938 – 17 January 2022) was an Indian dancer, composer, singer, and exponent of the Lucknow “Kalka-Bindadin” Gharana of kathak dance in India. He was a descendant of the Maharaj family of kathak dancers, which includes his two uncles, and his father and guru, Acchan Maharaj. He also practised Hindustani classical music and was a vocalist. After working along with his uncle, Shambhu Maharaj at Bhartiya Kala Kendra, later the Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, he remained head of the latter, for several years, until his retirement in 1998 when he opened his own dance school, Kalashram, also in Delhi. Birju Maharaj was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honor, in 1986. ( from Wikipedia).
SOME VALUABLE QUOTES OF PT. BIRJU MAHARAJ
“Think of ways to reach out to the self and the world. Kathak practitioners are basically kathakars (storytellers).” – Pt. Birju Maharaj
“Take kala (art) as the root word. All other art forms are interlinked. If dance is the root, then vocals, instrumental, painting, are also its branches and leaves.”
– Pt Birju Maharaj
“Open up the mind space.” – Pt. Birju Maharaj
“Think of ways to reach out to the self and the world. Kathak practitioners are basically kathakars (storytellers).” – Pt. Birju Maharaj
“Solo dance was complete by one. Now because everybody is bored, feeling bored by one dancer only they are taking 10,20 people.” — Birju Maharaj
“Open up the mind space.” – Pt. Birju Maharaj
“Tales that you can listen to when happy or sad. Mime and movement have a purpose. They communicate, connect and help deal with emotional and physical conflicts,” – Pt. Birju Maharaj
