Maharajji brought a new sophistication to the Kathak stage performance. He took the best of Jaipur and Lucknow Gharanas and mastered both rhythm and Abhinaya or expression. His portrayal of Krishna’s denial when accused of stealing butter was iconic. He was a dancer, singer, and storyteller. He had such mastery over Tala that he played with time with a wonderful freedom enriching the narrative.
- Angana Jhaveri,
Manipuri Dancer, Panjim
To become one with the Art is to be eternal. He lives with his art forever as a Master of his Art. We thank him for keeping his loving tradition alive. In prayer for his journey forward. He lives
- Shivani Gupta, Works with dance and performance art Aldona
It is an irreplaceable loss to the world of dance. I feel he inspired everyone one who came in touch with him. I have seen him dance. It was an amazing experience. Years ago I was at an intimate gathering for a family in New Delhi, and he sang, I was amazed by the beauty in that performance. It is so amazing that an artist could sing so well and dance so beautifully. I feel a void has been created which can never be filled. The masters come and show the way, they create such pieces of art which one can only look at and marvel at.
- Divya Rakyan,
lunia Bharat Natyam dancer Panjim
It's the end of an era. The sudden departure of kathak legend, Kathak Guru, Padmavibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji has shaken the world of both dance and music. It’s indeed a tremendous loss of our music fraternity. He will live forever in our hearts.
I have been really fortunate to have received his divine guidance from time to time.
- Varada Bedekar,
Lecturer in kathak, Kala academy
There was no one like him and there will be no one like him in future too. Padmavibhushan Kathak Samrat Pt. Birju Maharaj ji's contribution to the field of Dance and Music is unmatchable. He was not only a true artist but also a great, loving human being. It is a great and unrecoverable loss to the Art world. May Almighty bless his soul with Sadgati. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and disciples.
- Mandira Tirodkar, Lecture in Bharatanatyam, Kala Academy, Goa.
Padma Vibhushan Shri Birju Maharaj left today for his heavenly Abode. He left behind his wonderful memories with the art fraternity. Kathak Maestro Birju ji says on ‘Riyaaz’. “Riyaaz never ends because we can never attain complete perfection.” His contribution was in all art fields. He was not only a performer but composer, Choreographer, musician etc. A great legend, the knowledge and insights he had was invaluable, a soul that inspired many of us. Pranam on your lotus feet
- Sapna Naik, Lecturer in Bharatanatyam, Kala Academy, Goa.