The stage is a vast canvas - Pt.Birju Maharaj

Legendary Kathak maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj is a name revered and acclaimed all over the world. A leading exponent and torchbearer of the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow, he is the only son and disciple of Achhan Maharaj. The living legend is now in Dhaka to inaugurate a three-day Kathak Dance Festival, organised by Kathak Nritya Sampraday. This correspondent caught up with the maestro yesterday at the end of a seminar. Pt. Birju Maharaj will be on Chhayanaut stage today with his senior-most disciple Saswati Sen for a jugalbandi performance.          

Your dance is said to transcend mathematical aspects of rhythm and become visual poetry. What is your secret to that?

Birju Maharaj: It depends on the pure heart. It creates in your eyes and every part of the body. And when we think of switching on the light, the flow starts working in the body. The rangmanch (stage) is a vast canvas and we depict paintings on stage, using all types of colours. The expression of your eyes will create those colours. It also depends on how you involve your heart to think of your art. I am myself, I am there on stage. No disturbance will tilt me. 

You are a poet, a singer, musician, painter and above all a legendary dance artiste. How do you connect all these arts forms?

Birju Maharaj: First of all, I learned dance and this is the big light for me. I perform all the things which are related to music and dance. I can play tabla, pakhawaj, sarod, and flute. Art is vast. If you can catch it, you will find no difference in you and the art. 

What comes first to you when composing a new piece? Is it a mathematical combination of rhythms or your emotions and your instant artistic thoughts? 

Birju Maharaj: Both aspects are required for doing the job. I am a singer and painter as well. As a visual poet and painter, I can make people happy and cry through displaying my arts. 

How will you evaluate the practice of classical dance and your students in Bangladesh?

Pt. Birju Maharaj: I think they are doing great. I do not only teach dance, but also make them learn how one can keep one's heart beautiful through loving thyself and others. If you just love yourself, everything will come to you.