Mumbai, Jan 17: Kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj died at his resident in Delhi after suffering from heart attack. He was 83.

A recipient of the country’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, he was fondly called Pandit-ji or Maharaj-ji by his disciples and followers.

Birju Maharaj was playing with his grandsons late on Sunday night when his health condition deteriorated and he became unconscious. He was immediately rushed to hospital where he was declared dead.

Birju Maharaj is a leading exponent and torch-bearer of Kathak dance form. He is the only son and disciple of Shri Achhan Maharaj and a familiar face of Indian Kathak dance all over the world. He has performed in several countries.