The world of music and dance which is as believed has been patronized by Natraj , Lord Shiva and is ever pulsating with naad , lay and sur has experienced a stand still , a pause .
From the deep silence there emerges a sound of tinkling of ghoonghroos . A figure clad in kurta , salwar and khes ( an attire of Kathak dance form) with shoulder reaching wavy hair , with sparkling and expressive eyes, with swift and artistic hand and finger movements and swift rhythmic footwork patterns , an embodiment of profound energy and liveliness appears in front of our mind’s eyes.
Yes these days our country mourns the demise of India’s matchless and unparalleled Kathak dance Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj .
Recipient of the country’s second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan , Panditji was the world renowned exponent of Kalka Bindadin Gharana of Kathak dance form of India.
Popularly known as Pandit Birju Maharaj , he inherited a rich legacy of Kathak dance form from his family since last four generations .
Brij Mohan Nath Mishra (1938 – 2022 ) was the only son of Achchhan Maharaj who himself was a renowned Kathak exponent who served as a court dancer at Raigarh state.
As a young child he showed excellent understanding of sur , lay , tal and could remember very intricate bolbaat and taals. He started taking training of Kathak from his father Pandit Achchhan Maharaj. He used to accompany his father to far off places and would perform along with him. But unfortunately Panditji lost his father when he was only nine. And after this loss he was taught Kathak by his two uncles namely Shambhu Maharaj and Lachchhu Maharaj who were acknowledged Kathak dance performers of their time.
Pandit Birju Maharaj who redefined the techniques and presentation of Kathak dance form, was also a percussionist and wonderful singer who sang Thumris , Dadras , Horis , Bhajans , ghazals etc.
Performing worldwide this all time great Kathak Guru has brought Kathak to international level. A university in himself , he was adored for his ability to present the intricate rhythmic footwork , extraordinary mudras, swift and artistic eyes and hand movements and facial expressions.
He started teaching Kathak at the age of thirteen . He served as a head of department of Kathak at Bhartiya Kala Kendra ( New Delhi) and started his own dance school named Kalashram in 1998 after his retirement.
Recipient of numerous awards and honors this great Guru had made a phenomenal contribution in the field of Kathak dance form and has left behind a rich legacy in form of his work and disciples.
Juhi Joshi Shah.