Bhagaban Sahu

🪔 About

Bhagaban Sahu (1914-2002) was a revered Indian folk dancer, teacher, choreographer, and drummer, widely recognized for his profound contributions to the preservation and popularization of traditional Odia folk dance forms. Born on September 21, 1914, in Ganjam, in the erstwhile Bihar and Orissa Province of British India (now Odisha, India), Sahu dedicated his life to the pursuit of the dances native to his land. He was instrumental in codifying and reviving several endangered folk dances of Odisha, including Bagha Nacha (Tiger dance), Stilt dance, Jodi sankha, Laudi, Paika dance, and Chadheia chadheiani. He also had early training in Odissi dance. Sahu's career saw him not only perform extensively but also teach and train countless villagers, transforming them into skilled folk artists. He founded the Narendrapur Kala Vikash Kendra in Narendrapur, Odisha, a significant institution for the training and propagation of folk dance. His choreographic talents extended to cinema, notably for the popular tiger dance sequence in the 1989 Bengali movie, Bagh Bahadur. Sahu's artistry transcended national borders, leading him to perform internationally and even be entertained by Queen Elizabeth II. He passed away on August 12, 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues through his disciples and the institution he established. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1974), President's Medal (1958), Special Award from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (1961), Tulsi Samman (1985), State Sangeet Academy Award, Padma Shri (1992).