Famous Classical Dancers of India

1. Pandit Birju Maharaj

Pandit Birju Maharaj
Pandit Birju Maharaj

Renowned recipient of Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalidas Samman, Pandit Birju Maharaj took the Indian Classical Dance form, Kathak to new heights. His Kathak dance dramas have set a benchmark. Pandit Birju Maharaj is an eminent Kathak dancer who has trotted the globe and given thousands of dance performances along with workshops for Kathak students. Pandit Birju Maharaj is the founder of Kalashram. At the age of seven, Pandit Birju Maharaj gave his first recital. A direct descendant of Ishwar Prasadji (the first known Kathak teacher), Pandit Birju Maharaj has an excellent command over Hindustani classical music. He is an accomplished vocalist. He has won the Filmfare Award (2016) for Best Choreography for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani. Also, he has received honorary Doctorate degrees from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Khairagarh University.