Sonali Mohapatra

🪔 About

Sonali Mohapatra is an acclaimed Indian classical Odissi dancer and guru, widely recognized for her exceptional artistry and inspiring journey in overcoming a significant hearing impairment. She began her training in Odissi at the tender age of four. At five, she experienced a profound hearing loss due to medical negligence, losing 100% hearing in her left ear and 87% in her right. Despite this immense challenge, Mohapatra developed remarkable willpower and unique methods to master the intricate dance form, primarily relying on rhythm and feeling vibrations. Her father, a trained vocalist, provided crucial support by helping her understand 'Taal' and 'layakariyan' (rhythmic patterns), while her late mother guided her through the theoretical aspects of Odissi. Mohapatra received her early training under Guru Smt. Truptimayee Mohanty, and later honed her skills under the tutelage of Guru Shri Durga Charan Ranbir, a prominent exponent of the Guru Debaprasad style of Odissi. In 1995, she achieved her Visharad and Alankar in Odissi Dance. Her dedication led her to establish her own dance institution, Nrutya Upasana Pitha, in Bhubaneswar in 2005, where she imparts her knowledge to aspiring dancers. She also embarked on her journey as a choreographer in 2003. Sonali Mohapatra's perseverance and artistic excellence have earned her national recognition, including the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2011, awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for her contributions to Odissi dance. She continues to perform globally, serving as a profound source of inspiration for many, particularly those navigating physical challenges. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2011).