Birju Maharaj’s granddaughter Ragini Maharaj told ANI that the Kathak dancer was under treatment for a month.
However, on late Sunday night, he experienced sudden breathlessness and was rushed to the hospital. DD News reported that he died of a heart attack, while NDTV reported that he was diagnosed with a kidney disease recently.
Born as Brij Mohan Nath Mishra, Birju Maharaj was honoured with numerous awards over the years for his immense contributions to the field of performing art.
In 1986, he was presented one of the country’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Vibhushan.
He has also worked with the likes of Madhuri Dixit and Deepika Padukone.
