Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj died of a heart attack early on Monday morning. He was 83. Pandit Birju Maharaj was an exponent of the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow. The Kathak maestro had been suffering from a kidney ailment and was under dialysis treatment. He passed away surrounded by his family and disciples.