Pandit Birju Maharaj, a Kathak maestro, died at the age of 83

The Padma Vibhushan recipient died of a heart attack at the age of 83.

According to DD News, Kathak's great Pandit Birju Maharaj died late Sunday at his home in Delhi after suffering a heart attack. He was 83 years old when he died.

He was born as Brij Mohan Nath Mishra on February 4, 1937, from a well-known Kathak dancing family and is the winner of the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.

The news comes only days after Pt Munna Shukla, his nephew, and pupil, died at the age of 78 after a brief illness.

During his lifetime, Pandit Birju Maharaj wore many hats. He was a prolific singer, poet, and painter who was best known as a Kathak dancer.