Geeta Mahalik

🪔 About

Geeta Mahalik, born in 1948 in Koraput, Odisha, India, is a highly acclaimed Indian classical Odissi dancer. She commenced her training at a young age under the tutelage of renowned gurus Deba Prasad Dash and Mayadhar Raut, from whom she inherited the rich traditions of Odissi dance. Mahalik developed a distinctive style often described by connoisseurs as "sheer poetry in motion" and is widely recognized as a master of 'Rasa' (expression). Her illustrious career includes extensive performances across India at major festivals such as Khajuraho, Ellora, Konarak, and Mahabalipuram, among others. Internationally, she has graced stages in numerous countries including France, Switzerland, China, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Germany, Portugal, Greece, and various nations in Africa, Mongolia, and Nepal, often under the auspices of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Mahalik is also a prolific choreographer, having created acclaimed dance dramas such as Lavanyavati, Krishnabhilasha, and Draupadi - Antim Prashna. She is credited with imbuing the traditional Odissi style with a national flavor and introducing innovative interpretations. To further promote and preserve Odissi dance, she founded Geeta's Upasana, a non-governmental organization based in Delhi, where she dedicates herself to training the next generation of Odissi dancers. Her commitment to the art form also led her to undertake research on Odissi dance, supported by a Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She has served in advisory capacities on various expert committees, including those for the Ministry of Culture, the General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2009), Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2010), Padma Shri (2014), Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2012), Gramini Award, Senior National Fellowship (Ministry of Culture, Government of India), Odra Pankaj Nrutya Award, Guru Deba Prasad Das Award of Berhampur, Orissa.