Birju Maharaj regales the audience at the book launch

Noted film maker, artist and social worker, Muzaffar Ali and renowned sitarist, Pt. Debu Chaudhuri released Niyogi Books’ new title Birju Maharaj: The Master Through My Eyes. Pt. Birju Maharaj, who was present on the occasion, later spoke about his life and passion to regale the audience. Also present at the function were Jawhar Sircar, CEO, Prasar Bharati, and other leading personalities in the fields of art and theatre.

The publication is a part of Niyogi Books’ efforts to highlight the work and life of noted artists and is authored by Saswati Sen, the disciple of Pt birju Maharaj.

Accompanied by rare photographs, this is a heartfelt tribute to Pt. Birju Maharaj, a man who, among his many achievements, has spread awareness about the classical dance form of Kathak, not only in India, but abroad while touching innumerable lives along the way.

The author Saswati Sen, regarded as one of the best exponents of the famous Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, is the driving force behind Kalashram, Pandit Birju Maharaj’s dream institution. She has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Sanskriti Award, the Shringar Mani Award and the Critic’s Recommendation Award. She has performed at the RIMPA (Ravi Shankar Institute for Music and Performing Arts) festival in Varanasi, the Kathak Prasang in Bhopal and Jaipur and the prestigious Khajuraho Festival of dance, among others.