Shashadhar Acharya

🪔 About

Guru Shashadhar Acharya is a highly esteemed exponent and choreographer of Seraikella Chhau, an Indian classical dance form. Born on May 5, 1960, in Seraikela, Jharkhand, he represents the fifth generation of a family deeply rooted in traditional performing arts. Acharya began his dance journey at the age of six, receiving initial training from his father, Guru Lingaraj Acharya. He further honed his skills under the tutelage of several eminent gurus, including Natashekar BB Pattanaik, Padma Shri awardee Siddhendra Narayan Singh Deo, Vikram Kumbhakar, and Padma Shri awardee Kedarnath Sahoo. He also explored Mayurbhanj Chhau under Alok Niranjan Bisoi and learned Dhol-playing from Surmukhi. Acharya gave his first public performance, known as Manch Pravesh, around the age of 12 during the annual Chaitra Parva festival in Seraikela. In the early 1990s, he moved from Seraikela to work with the Gurukul Dance Academy and Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai, expanding his artistic horizons. He is recognized for his innovative approach to Chhau, integrating its techniques into both traditional dance and contemporary theatre productions. His extensive career includes performances in over 75 countries at various international festivals, and collaborations with renowned artists such as Dr. Sonal Mansingh and Pratibha Prahalad. Beyond performing, Guru Shashadhar Acharya is a dedicated teacher and institution builder. He established the Acharya Chhau Nrutya Bichitra in Seraikela, an institution dedicated to promoting Chhau dance, which also houses a library and a museum. He currently teaches at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi and serves as a faculty member at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and the National School of Drama, New Delhi. Acharya has also led projects funded by the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi to train dancers and develop performance repertories. His commitment to the art form is further exemplified by his sons, Shubham, Sukant, Sapan, and Ranjit Acharya, who continue the family's legacy as sixth-generation Chhau dancers and teachers. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2020), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004), Rajkiya Samman (2005), Guru Dev Prasad Das Samman (2013), Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), Unity in Diversity PhD Art & Culture Samman, Natyashree Award.