Kathak dancer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj has passed away of a heart attack at the age of 83, a family member said on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” at the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj and recognised the immense contribution the Kathak legend made to his art.
“Deeply saddened at the demise of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, who gave Indian dance form a unique recognition across the world. His passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief,” PM Modi tweeted in Hindi.

President Ram Nath Kovind said his passing marked the “end of an era”.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said ‘Maharaj ji’, as the maestro was fondly called, would be remembered for his unparalleled contribution to the field of Indian classical dance.