Veteran Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj died at his Delhi home on late Sunday reportedly suffering from a heart attack. Pandit Birju was 83 and took the traditional Indian dance form to worldwide.
His granddaughter while speaking to the media said that he suddenly started feeling anxious after having his dinner. “Maharaj-ji, as he was popularly known, died surrounded by his family and disciples. They were playing ‘antakshari’ after dinner when he suddenly took ill,” Ragini Maharaj told the media.
“This happened between 12.15 and 12.30 am. It must have been just a minute or so. We rushed to the hospital but unfortunately, we could not save him. He died before reaching the hospital,” Ragini further added.
Pandit Maharaj has been a recipient of the country’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, he was fondly called Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his disciples and legions of followers and was known as the one of India’s best-known artistes.
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Condolences pour in from the Prime Minister to the common citizens
Condolences started pouring in as the news of the death of the Kathak master came, who would have been 84 on February 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his death is an “irreparable loss” to the entire art world. “Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance a special recognition world over. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief,” the prime minister said.
भारतीय नृत्य कला को विश्वभर में विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाने वाले पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका जाना संपूर्ण कला जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं। ओम शांति! pic.twitter.com/PtqDkoe8kd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2022
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the artiste as a “legend of performing arts”.
India loses a legend of performing arts. Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj is no more.
Born into a family of kathak masters, belonging to the Lucknow gharana, Pandit #birjumaharaj took kathak to wider audience. Took forward traditions,held through generations,with great elan. https://t.co/vimvG0EXzh
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 17, 2022
Pandit Birju Maharaj took Kathak from India to the world & inspired several people to take up the art.
I am saddened to hear about his demise. He will continue to live through his art & artists inspired by him. Deepest condolences to his family & Kathak lovers across the world. pic.twitter.com/bvjJ3gQ3uM
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 17, 2022
Was Under Dialysis Treatment
However, Pandit Birju was said to be under dialysis treatment, the Kathak master had been suffering from kidney disease and was undergoing treatment for the same since the last month due to high diabetes. He probably died of a cardiac arrest, his granddaughter said. “He was with us when this happened. He had his dinner and we were playing ‘antakshari’ because he loved old music. He was lying down and suddenly his breathing became uneven. We think it was cardiac arrest as he was also a heart patient.”
Do not ignore the Unusual Heart Attack Symptoms
According to Dr. Vanita Arora, Cardiac Electrophysiologist & Device Specialist, Director & Head, Max Hospital, “Many conditions that lead to heart failure can be reversed and treatments are available in form of medical therapy and Device therapy which can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure, reverse the condition to better, and help you live longer with a better quality of life.”
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What could be the Unusual Symptoms of Heart Failure?
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles, and feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
- Chest pain if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack
