Spell binding Kathak performance marks homage to Pt Birju Maharaj

Lucknow: On the first death anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Pt Birju Maharaj from Bindaki Maharaj Deodhi, the disciples offered homage through Kathak. It may be noted that a year ago, Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj had bid goodbye to the mortal world on January 17 after a prolonged illness.

Shraddhanjali Sabha and Kathak program was organized by Narayan Jan Seva Sansthan at Maharaj ji’s birthplace which is known as Kathak Deodhi. The president of the organization, Himanshu Srivastava, has received Kathak dance lessons from Pt. Virju Maharaj ji at his home under the Guru Shishya Parampara, staying in Delhi itself.

Himanshu tells that when he used to go to Maharaj ji, Maharaj ji along with paying the fare for coming and going used to show affection at his home as his own son. Maharaj ji’s last wish was that Kathak dance should continue in Dyodi as before and the gatherings should continue to be decorated. Maharaj ji’s ashes were flown in Ganga ji after mother Gomti.

Maharaj ji directed his Kathak dance in many films such as Mohe Rang Do Lal, Deepika Padukone and Madhuri Dixit in Dhai Shyam Rok Di and took Kathak to a special height by choreographing Thumri and Kathak dance in other songs.

As per Maharaj ji’s last wish, the traditional Kathak of Lucknow Gharana is being carried out in workshops by Himanshu Srivastava. Pt. Ram Mohan Maharaj, who came to live in Lucknow soon from Delhi, came to Deodhi today and paid tribute and said that he will start Kathak classes three to four days a week here due to the wish of his late elder brother Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj.

Monthly programs will be organized from time to time. For this, time has been given to Chief Minister Yogi  to talk. Surbhi Singh, President of Cultural Quest was present along with her disciples in the tribute meeting. Vikas Mishra, additional Isha Ratan, Misha Ratan did the pieces, thirds, Raghavendra, Himanshu Mishra, Pandit Rammohan Maharaj did thumri bhav.

Also, Ruchi Khare, Meera Dixit, Guddi Srivastava, Surbhi Singh presented emotional dance, Akanksha Srivastava narrated her memories of Maharaj ji’s arrival to the people. Jyoti Kiran Ratan told about Maharaj ji’s house and meeting him.