Hi granddaughter Ragini Maharaj told PTI that Maharajji was playing antakshari after dinner with the entire family when he suddenly fell ill.

She also informed that he was suffering from a kidney ailment and was on dialysis for a month due to diabetes, and that his probable case of death was die to a sudden cardiac arrest.

He was with us when this happened. He had his dinner and we were playing ‘antakshari’ because he loved old music. He was lying down… and suddenly his breathing became uneven. We think it was cardiac arrest as he was also a heart patient.

“This happened between 12.15 and 12.30 a.m. It must have been just a minute or so. We rushed to the hospital but unfortunately, we could not save him. He died before reaching the hospital,” Ragini told the news agency.

She further stated that the inly solace for the family was that he did not suffer much during his final hours.

Ragini further stated, “Two of his disciples and his two granddaughters, my younger sister Yasyashashwini and me, were with him when this happened. He was laughing and smiling in his last moments.”

There was an outpour if condolences when the news broke out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He wrote, “his passing away is an irreparable loss to the world of art.”

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Singer Durga Jasraj who is the daughter of late Pt. Jasraj wrote “It is a monumental loss to Indian performing art” as she took tot Twitter to mourn Maharajji’s passing away.

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Vice President of India Mr M.Venkaiah Naidu took to twitter and expressed his sorrow. He wrote, “The world-renowned Kathak exponent with his unique style was an institution and an inspiration across the globe. His death is a huge loss to the world of performing arts.”

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Singer Adnan Sami took to his social media to pour his condolence, “Extremely saddened by the news about the passing away of Legendary Kathak Dancer- Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.
We have lost an unparalleled institution in the field of the performing arts. He has influenced many generations through his genius.
May he rest in peace.🙏🖤”

We at Indiachron.com wish Panditji’s family all the strength in this time of bereavement and we hope they have the courage to bear with this loss.