Maestro Birju Maharaj was famous for which classical Indian dance?

Pandit Birju Maharaj (born Brijmohan Nath Mishra; 4 February 1937 - 17 January 2022), popularly known simply as Birju Maharaj, was an Indian dancer, composer, singer and exponent of Kathak dance (a form of Indian classical dance). Kathak dancers communicate various stories through their hand movements and extensive footwork, their body movements and flexibility but most importantly through their facial expressions. Stylistically, the Kathak dance form emphasises rhythmic foot movements, adorned with Ghungroo (small bells) and the movement harmonised to the music.

Maharaj also choreographed and composed music for many Indian movies including "Shatranj ke Khiladi (1977)", "Bazirao Mastani (2015)", "Devdas (2002", and many others. He received the Indian Sangeet Natak Akademi Award at the age of 28. He also received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award, in 1986.

His deep immersion in the form, astute observation of nature/humanity took Kathak dance beyond its geographic context and brought it center-stage, not only in India but globally. He performed shows in U.K., U.S.A., and many other countries. At the age of 83, he died of a cardiac arrest. Condolences poured in from all quarters for the legendary maestro by President, Prime Minister, renowned actors and actresses notably by Sharukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Hema Malini, Kamal Haasan and many others.