| Who is it? | Kathak Dancer |
| Birth Day | February 04, 1938 |
| Birth Place | Varanasi, Indian |
| Age | 85 YEARS OLD |
| Birth Sign | Pisces |
| Origin | India |
| Genres | Indian classical music |
| Occupation(s) | Classical dancer, composer, classical singer |
| Years active | 1951 - present |
| Website | birjumaharaj-kalashram.com |
Birju Maharaj, the renowned Kathak dancer from India, is reported to have an estimated net worth of $7 million in 2024. Widely acclaimed for his outstanding contributions to the art of Kathak, Maharaj has captivated audiences worldwide with his enthralling performances and exquisite technique. As a master of his craft, Maharaj has received numerous accolades, including prestigious awards and recognition for his talent and dedication. With his immense popularity and expertise, it is no surprise that Birju Maharaj has earned substantial wealth throughout his illustrious career in the realm of Indian classical dance.
Birju Maharaj was born in the house of Kathak exponent, Jagannath Maharaj, popularly known as Acchan Maharaj of Lucknow Gharana, who served as court Dancer in Raigarh princely state. Birju was trained by his uncles, Lachhu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj and his Father, and he gave his first recital at the age of seven. On 20 May 1947, his Father died when he was nine . After a few years of struggle, his family moved to Delhi.
Birju Maharaj has won many accolades, including Padma Vibhushan in 1986, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalidas Samman. He also received honorary Doctorate degrees from Banaras Hindu University(Varanasi) and Khairagarh University.
Maharaj started teaching the dance form at the young age of thirteen, at the Sangeet Bharti in New Delhi. He then taught at the Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi, and at the Kathak Kendra (a unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi) where he was Head of Faculty, and Director, retiring in 1998 after which he opened his own dance school, Kalashram, also in Delhi. He composed the music, and sang, for two dance sequences in the Satyajit Ray's Shatranj ke Khilari, and choreographed the song Kaahe Chhed Mohe from the 2002 film version of novella Devdas. In addition, he has also choreographed Kathak dance sequences in Dedh Ishqiya as well as Umrao Jaan, and Bajirao Mastani directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
