Ananta Charan Sai (Mayurbhanj)

🪔 About

Ananta Charan Sai Babu (1915–1989), often referred to as Kadu Babu, was a pivotal figure in the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance tradition, a UNESCO heritage art form. Born in 1915 into a family of Chhau performers in Mayurbhanj, India, he began his rigorous training at the age of ten. His esteemed gurus included his father Radhamohan Sai, his maternal uncle Dibakar Bhanj Deo, Mohammad Rejak Khan, Bhabani Kumar Das, Jogendra Kuanr, and Sadhan Bisoi. Sai Babu dedicated his life to the promotion and enrichment of Mayurbhanj Chhau, famously remaining a bachelor to focus entirely on his art. He performed solo and group dances for approximately two decades. In 1949, he played a key role in reorganizing a dance group under the banner of Mayurbhanj Chhow Nrutya Pratisthan, collaborating with Bhabanishankar Das and Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra. He served as the Head Ustad (maestro) at this premier institute in Baripada, where he trained numerous disciples. A significant milestone in his career was presenting the famous Paik dance of Mayurbhanj during the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi in 1952, marking the first performance of Mayurbhanj Chhau in the nation's capital. He also contributed to the art form by enriching its traditional repertoire with new compositions. In 1980, he joined the Chhow Dance Training Centre of Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi as its principal guru, continuing to impart thorough training to dancers until his death in 1989. Ananta Charan Sai Babu's profound contributions were recognized with prestigious awards. He was the first Chhau dancer from Mayurbhanj to receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1971, India's highest national recognition in performing arts. He also received the Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984. His legacy continues through his family, including his nephew Janmejay Sai Babu (a Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee himself) and his grandnephews Rajesh Sai Babu and Rakesh Sai Babu, who are prominent Chhau dancers and teachers today. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1971), Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1984).