Known as Maharaj Ji both in terms of affection and reverence, Biju Maharaj, passed away early on Monday morning at age 83. The celebrated artiste not only venerated Kathak as an art form here in India but took it to the global stage for the world to witness with pride, the cultural milieu of our nation. In the blooming stages of his career too, his unbridled potential led him to represent India in nations like the UK, Japan, USA, France among many others. Having perfected the dance at age 13 and becoming a proficient teacher, as well as being awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, at age 28, he can be described not just as a prodigy, but a maestro of the art form.
He did not just perform renditions of the Radha-Krishna mythology, but also used kathak as a tool to express himself on various social issues. He is the recipient of one of India’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Bhushan Award. Besides these awards and accolades though, he is responsible for furthering kathak as an art of expression, propelling it further in this contemporary world. He elevated kathak from an elite form of dance to a stylised medium to portray the fluidity of human emotions. His rhythm and facial gestures, as perfect and precise as his delicate footwork, inspired younger generations to portray their angst through kathak. His loss is that of a candle snuffed in the darkest of times, but his disciples and students wish to take his teachings, and give back to Kathak and to India, the finest that Maharaj Ji had to offer.
