Indus Valley Times

By Swagatika Bhutia

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 8 : The inherent artistic expression of a maestro reflects in their absolute mastery of their art form, as they spend their entire lifetime perfecting and painting their Art on a canvas of their making. In the universe of Odissi, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra painted his Art and disseminated it, not only through his thousands of disciples across the world, but also through the rapturous audiences that he performed for. Till date, his legacy thrives, among those who persevere to preserve the rich classicism and ethos of the Odissi idiom in this dynamic era. As a tribute to Guruji, Srjan (Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa) collaborated with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre (GKCM ORC) to commemorate Antardristhti Guruji’s 97th birth anniversary on January 8, 2023 at Utkal Ranga Mancha, Bhubaneswar.

Under the able vision and direction of Shri Ratikant Mohapatra, Srjan, the institute of Guruji’s making in 1993, has become a premier dance institution known for its high standards of creativity, performance, and professionalism, dedicating their efforts to carry forward the rich inheritance bequeathed by Guruji. The proceedings of the evening commenced with the lighting of the lamp by eminent guests were Shri Pratap Das, CEO, Indian Performing Arts Promotion (IPAP), USA; Smt. Snehaprabha Samantray, Ex Principal, Utkal Sangit Maha Vidyalaya; Guru Dhaneswar Swain, Eminent Mardala Player; Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Director Srjan & Dean FACIS, Sri Sri University and Smt. Deepa Srivatsan, HoD, Performing Arts Dept, Temple of Fine Arts, Singapore

With a base of solid training and coordination, the hallmark of the Srjan ensemble shone forth in the invocation Bramhadaru Smaranam, where the dancers Aishwariya Singhdev, Sipra Swain, Preetisha Mohapatra, Sanjaya Kumar Behera, G. Sanjay, Madhabi Rout, Alisha Dhal, and Daina Ghose presented the choreography with perfect synchronization and poise.

This was followed by the nuanced portrayal of Manthara by Smt. Rajashri Praharaj. Of all the tales, characters, epics, and sagas that our rich history and tradition have exposed us to, the enigmatic motives of Manthara, companion of Queen Kaikeyi in the Ramayana, leaves audiences across generations bewildered till today. In this production, the choreographer, Shri Ratikant Mohapatra chooses to portray the sanguine outcomes of her conniving actions through an amalgam of dialogue and music. In the dulcet and commanding voice of Kathak doyenne Smt. Uma Dogra, the dialogues of Manthara were enacted with commendable finesse by Rajashri Praharaj as she sojourned through the multifaceted layers of the unique yet indomitable Manthara, in an episode inspired from the Ramcharitmanas, on what is considered a rather unusual subject of depiction. Script & lyrics by Smt. Uma Dogra and music by Shri Alap Desai.

Aishwariya Singhdev, Sipra Swain, Preetisha Mohapatra, and G. Sanjay then went on to present Pancham Savari Pallavi, a unique rhythmic composition in 15 beats, set to the Raag Chandrakosh and Taal Pancham Savari, in which the choreographer explores the rhythmic intricacies and dynamics of this unique taal in a group composition, demanding perfect synchronization, physical fitness, and crisp footwork from the dancers.

The evening comprised a perfect amalgam of pure dance, choreographic innovation, and nuanced abhinaya, as senior and seasoned Odissi exponent Smt. Sharon Lowen paid homage to her revered Guru through a timeless ashtapadi of his composition, Yahi Madhava. Her abhinaya bespoke her decades of experience in the Art form. A very familiar and benevolent senior in the eyes of the Odissi fraternity, Smt. Sharon Lowen’s contribution to the Odissi Art form as a foreign national in India is immense. Her detailed writings, books, and discerning eye have all helped carve a niche for herself in the fraternity.

As the finale of the evening, two rising young artistes, Santosh Ram and Samir Kumar Panigrahi presented a powerful rendition of Ardhanarishwara Stotram, by Adi Shankaracharya. Choreographed as a seamless duet by Shri Ratikant Mohapatra, Ardhanarishwara was everything that a visual delight should be, executed in tandem by the lithe yet strong dancing of the disciples of Shri Bichitrananda Swain.

Embellishing the evening was the love of creative beauty and delightful choreographs of both Guruji, and his son. Shri Ratikant Mohapatra’s impeccable organizational acumen and unquestioned authority on sharp choreographic technique bring to the fore the Srjan ensemble’s memorable neo-classical Odissi innovations with recognition and professionalism.

Ably aided as always by the brilliant light design of Shri Debiprasad Mishra, the artistes all offered a befitting tribute to the late Odissi maestro on his 97th birth anniversary. Shri Mrutyunjaya Rath conducted the proceedings of the evening with ease, as members of the audience, filled with luminaries from the world of Art, the press, members of the Odissi dance community, and artistes stepped in for a transformative evening of Odissi in memory of Guruji for the betterment of Art and the cause of Odissi.