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Birju Maharaj
Dancer

Birju Maharaj

Famoose for

Bringing Kathak’s rhythm and expressive storytelling to audiences across the world.

Kathak solos · Dance compositions

Born
4 February 1938
Birthplace
Uttar Pradesh, India
Died
17 January 2022

More people

Joseph PulitzerBuilding influential newspapers and endowing the Pulitzer Prizes.Conan O’BrienHosting late-night television with absurd sketches and self-deprecating humour.Fred AstaireMaking dance central to Hollywood musicals, especially with Ginger Rogers.

Birju Maharaj

Birju Maharaj was an Indian dancer, choreographer and teacher associated with the Lucknow gharana of Kathak.

Early life

Dance family

Trained within the Kalka-Bindadin family tradition.

Early teachers

Learned from his father Acchan Maharaj and his uncles.

Career

  1. 1950s onward

    Teaching

    Began a long teaching career in Delhi.

  2. Later 20th century

    Kathak Kendra

    Led training and developed performances at the institution.

  3. 1998 onward

    Kalashram

    Founded his own school after retirement.

Performance & teaching

Kathak solos

Combined intricate footwork with expressive gesture.

Dance compositions

Developed group and theatrical presentations.

Screen choreography

Contributed to films including Devdas.

Beyond dance

Music

Was also a singer and instrumentalist.

Recognition

Received the Padma Vibhushan in 1986.

Sources & photo creditLife, career and references ↗

Photo: Sudhanwa. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.