Durllav Chandra Singh

🪔 About

Durllav Chandra Singh, a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, was born in 1917 in Puri, Orissa (now Odisha), India. He received his early training as a dancer, actor, and musician under the tutelage of Kabichandra Kalicharan Pattnaik. Singh's career began in 1928, and he performed with the Radha Raman Raas Utsav Odissi Theatre until 1946, where he rose to become a leading artist. In 1953, he joined the renowned Annapurna Theatre, a pivotal point in his artistic journey. During his time there, and in subsequent years, Durllav Chandra Singh created significant dance-dramas, including "Meghdoot" and "Bakasur Vadha." He is particularly credited with directing and choreographing the first presentation of the Dasavatara dance within the Odissi repertoire, a performance notably executed by the legendary Kelucharan Mohapatra and his wife, Lakshmipriya. Beyond his performance and choreographic contributions, Singh was a dedicated teacher, imparting his knowledge to numerous aspiring dancers. His teaching legacy is profound, as many eminent Odissi dancers and teachers who emerged since the 1950s were his students. He also authored a historical account of the Oriya stage titled "E Satabdiro Odia Rangamancha. O Mor Bhumika." For his significant contributions to Odissi dance, Durllav Chandra Singh received several prestigious accolades. These include the Kavisamrat Upendra Bhanja Puraskar from the Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Orissa Film Development Corporation Award, and the Akashvani Puraskar from Akashvani Cuttack. In 2004, he was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest recognition in the performing arts, for his lifetime dedication to Odissi dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004), Kavisamrat Upendra Bhanja Puraskar (Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi), Orissa Film Development Corporation Award, Akashvani Puraskar (Akashvani Cuttack).