The one and only Maharaj

Pandit Birju Maharaj’s zest for life reaches out far beyond Kathak

Pandit Birju Maharaj . Photo: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury

One has heard a lot about his enthusiasm, indefatigable energy and zest for life, but when one comes face to face with 76-year-old Pandit Birju Maharaj, the effect is inexplicable. A master raconteur, he has numerous anecdotes to share.

With a wink and smile, his hands and eyes moving aesthetically, he can narrate a story. It could be about members of a family waiting intently for the daily newspaper, an evening of joy, an iron ball ( Lohe ki Aatma Katha ) or rhythm in the universe… Be it mundane things in life or social issues, he can weave a story, choreograph dance and enthral the audience.

“

Yeh sundar se balak hain (This is a beautiful child),” smiles danseuse Mangala Bhatt who played host to Maharaj after his performance in the city for the Krishnakriti Festival of Arts and Culture.

With disciple Saswati Sen by his side, Maharaj talks about his concert in Hyderabad. “

Bahut din ke baad kal bahut achcha laga. Bahut achi audience thi aur jab acha audience rehta hai, achi baat banti hai (It felt very good yesterday after a very long time.

It was a very good audience and when there is a good audience, good stuff happens ), ” he says.

Maharaj wonders how classical arts do not get so much representation in the media. “When Dhoni decides to quit Test cricket, it be comes big news.

The news was analysed so much that after a point I got tired and switched off the TV. Can’t we give the same importance to our arts?” he asks. With his children and also grandchildren into dancing, there are nine generations of dancers in the family.

The legendary guru and Padma Vibhushan awardee who is considered an encyclopaedia of Kathak, Maharaj can also sing, write poetry and paint.

With disarming simplicity, he shows off his different facets but follows what his guru advised him: “ Bhara hua ped bhi jhuk jaata hai. Jhuk ke rehna aur garv nahin karna. (Even a tree in full bloom bows. Stay bent and don’t feel proud).” With two days to go for Sankranti, Maharaj talks about his love for kites. “There are 25 patang at home,” he says with a smile. Mangala Bhatt adds, “Last time when Raghav (dancer Raghav Raj Bhatt) came to meet you, he took manjjha along with him.” .

Talk about his other interests and Maharaj’s eyes glow and face lights up as Saswati talks about his craze for electronic gadgets. “Cameras, phones and torches… I just love them,” says Maharaj and recalls how excited he was once to see a torch which worked without battery. With his latest phone and a collection of 150 torches, Maharaj says he loves to browse for the latest gadgets.

Before we leave, he shows off his singing prowess by rendering a thumri from the movie Shatranj Ke Khilaadi: “K anha main tohse haari…”