An artist is one who has mastery over his body and mind - where the body obeys the mind. Practicing classical art forms is an all-round development of the faculties of our mind. It lays immense emphasis on discipline patience and continuous self-improvement. The finest aspect of this education is the development of the feelings and emotions within the person and its correct, balanced and regulated expression. It is not always true that talent alone makes an artist. Neither is it flawless technique. In reality, it is the uncountable years of perseverance and dedication to the art that makes performing an effortless. Inside every artist is an inspiring story of his will to perform his best. Think Link dedicates its multi-media section to the success and hard work of artists who have dedicated their lives to serve and preserve our cultural heritage. Their ceaseless enthusiasm to impart training has built a rich legacy of students who in turn, carry on the tradition in the spirit of their guru. Think Multimedia section, has a video clip and an article about a distinguished artist who has achieved great success in his artisitic expedition - Pt. Brijmohan Nath Mishra, popularly known as Pt. Birju Maharaj. Pandit Brijmohan Nath Mishra, popularly known as Birju Maharaj is an internationally renowned Kathak dancer. He was born in 1937 in an illustrious family of dance masters of the Lucknow gharana and trained by his father Acchan Maharaj and uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, all renowned dancers of that time. After the unfortunate demise of his father when he was just 9 years old, Pandit-ji`s family moved to Delhi. Once in Delhi, he started to teach Kathak at the young age of just 13! He then taught at the Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi, and at the Kathak Kendra (a unit of the Sangeet Natak Academy) where he was Head of Faculty, and Director. After retiring in 1998, he started Kalashram, his own Indian Fine Arts Academy. He is widely acclaimed not only as a performer but also as an inspiring `Guru` (teacher). Pandit Birju Maharaj is not just a flawless dancer, but a fabulous singer and percussionist. He has mastered the Hindustani Classical Music as well. This multi-faceted personality is also a superb choreographer and composer, having composed for many popular movies as well. He has toured all over the world and his students are spread far and wide. He is the recipient of India`s second highest Civilian Award ` Padma Vibhushan. A measure of this legendary genius is the fact that he received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Award at the age of just 28 years. Besides, he has also won many other honors and accolades. It is due to his constant efforts that Kathak has reached new heights of popularity and acceptance in India and abroad. In an interview Birju Maharaj told that when he moved out of Lucknow to try his fortune as a dancer, his mother told him, Birjubeta, do not forget your daily riyaaz. Whether you eat less or do not have enough clothes to wear, you must remember your father`s words: practise every day. He used to practise for nearly four-and-a-half hours daily during his early years.He also plays the tabla, sitar, flute, drums and violin. He also writes, just like his grandfather did. He writes poems. Please view the link below to get inspired by this maestro. http://youtu.be/IUkpUkkrBC8