Birju Maharaj, Kathak dancer

Birju Maharaj, Brijmohan Nath Mishra Maharaj, was an Indian dancer, a master of the kathak form and a leading exponent of the Kalka-Bindadin gharana (community of musicians sharing a distinctive musical style) of Lucknow. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to the performing arts, including one of the country’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Vibhushan in 1986.