Birju Maharaj was born as Brij Mohan Nath Mishra on February 4, 1937, to a well-known family of Kathak dancers and is the winner of the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. The news comes only days after Pt Munna Shukla, his nephew and pupil, died at the age of 78 after a brief illness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the legend’s family and followers. “Deeply saddened by the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who given Indian dance styles a special distinction across the world,” Modi wrote on Twitter. His death was an unrecoverable loss for the entire world.

“The demise of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj marks the end of an era. It leaves a deep void in the Indian music and cultural space. He became an icon, making unparalleled contribution to popularise Kathak globally. Condolences to his family and admirers”, tweeted Ramnath Kovind, President of India.

He was a prolific singer, poet, and painter who was best known as a Kathak dancer.