Birju Maharaj believes being rooted to classical traditions

Legendary Kathak exponent Pt Birju Maharaj believes in being rooted to classical traditions though new thoughts keep coming to his mind.
"Classical is tradition. I don't change traditions, But new thoughts keep coming to my mind on creating new things", the 'Padma Vibhushan' and 'Sangeet Natak Akademi Award' recipient told PTI on the sidelines of a dance programme here yesterday.
Speaking about his views on fusion in dance with different genres merged in one presentation, Birju Maharaj said, "I think I don't like fusion. If they still do, it is for them."
"I will keep myself rooted to my gharana while creating different rhythms. I can tell you about an experience in Spain where I had created different rhythms with my leg. And the Spanish co-artiste and others were amazed," he said.

Asked about the secret that keeps him going after so many years, the legendary exponent of Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak, said, "This is all because I love to dance and I appreciate in what I do."
"I was also very lucky to see all three - my father and guru Acchan Maharaj and my two uncles Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj - perform in the family. They taught me to love dance. I am the seventh generation dancer in my family," he said.

Asked about the purity of dance, he said, "Every artiste is searching for the beauty of rhythm."

"The purity lies there in this search. It is all about how beautifully we capture every moment of nature, say the blossoming of a big tree," he said.
Pt Maharaj, who is always on the look out for new compositions, said, "My disciple for years Saswati Sen and me have been composing new stories in Kathak. As every day passes by, we find the zeal to put up new things."
The classical dance exponent came to the city to attend a dance programme 'Kathak Pravaha', with his disciple Saswati Sen .
The dance competition was aimed at promoting classical Kathak dance and create interest among the spectators and dancers, who are generally hooked to reality shows now a days.

"There is rhythm in every moment of life. We should never feel the disconnect with rhythm of life," he told the participants.
About 'riyaz' he said, "Everyone talks about riyaz but you should remember it is not akin to lifting stones. It is a continuous process to understand the nuances of beauty, to be immersed in absolute happiness.