Birju Maharaj

About

Both a promoter and a practitioner of an Indian classical dance form known as Kathak, Maharaj received the 2012 National Film Award for choreographing sequences in the Tamil film Vishwaroopam. In 1964, he won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Before Fame

He became a dance teacher when he was just thirteen years old. Many years later, he opened a Delhi dance school called Kalashram.

Trivia

Though primarily known as a dancer and choreographer, Maharaj also had a successful career as a classical Hindustani vocalist. In 2016, he won Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the film Mohe Rang Do Laal.

Family Life

During his childhood years, he trained with his choreographer uncles, Shambhu and Lachhu Maharaj. Three of his five children also had careers as Kathak dancers.

Associated With

He received a prestigious arts prize named for the Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar.