Rabindra Kumar Atibudhi

🪔 About

Pandit Guru Rabindra Kumar Atibudhi is a highly esteemed figure in Indian classical dance, renowned for his profound contributions to Odissi. His journey in dance began with training under traditional dance teacher Guru Pankaj Charan Das and the celebrated mentor Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. He also received instruction in Odissi Sangeet and Music from Vani Putra Acharaya Guruji Tarini Charan Patro. Guru Atibudhi is credited with introducing Odissi dance in Mumbai in 1969 and has served as a mentor for over four decades. He is the founder and director of Odissi Kalashetra in Mumbai, established in 1972, and UIDMAI (Odissi Kalakshetra and Shreekshetra), founded in 1994. Through these institutions, he has actively promoted the rich cultural heritage of Odissi, enlightening aspiring students and even encouraging physically challenged and blind children to learn and perform the art form. His teaching legacy includes training numerous notable personalities from the entertainment industry, such as Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Meenakshi Seshadri, Rani Mukherjee, and Tabu. As a prolific choreographer, Guru Atibudhi has choreographed approximately 50 classical dances, including the National Award-winning Odissi film "Shri Krishna Rasleela (Geet Govind)". He also directed the dance sequence for Meenakshi Seshadri in the film "Damini," employing the "tandava" style. His expertise extends internationally, having conducted workshops across the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, UAE, and other European countries. He has also contributed to the academic understanding of Odissi by writing about it in the "Handbook of Indian Classical Dance Terminology" and is currently working on a book titled "Odissi Nrutya Shastra." Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2020), Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2006), National Award for performance in Odissi film "Shri Krishna Rasleela (Geet Govind)", National Award for acting and choreography in Oriya documentary film "Sculptures of Love", Lifetime Achievement Award, Senior Fellowship, Singarmani title, World Friendship Award, Gourav Puraskar (2023).