Sujata Mohapatra

🪔 About

Sujata Mohapatra, a preeminent Indian classical dancer and teacher of Odissi, was born in Balasore, Odisha, in 1968. Her journey in dance began at the tender age of four, initially under the tutelage of her mother, Srimati Kumudini Mohanty, a disciple of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. She further honed her skills at the Nritya Sangeet Kalamandir, studying under Guru Sudhakar Saho and Lingaraj Behera, before moving to Cuttack to train with Guru Raghunath Dutta. In 1989, Mohapatra commenced her intensive training under the legendary Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, dedicating two decades to mastering his distinct style. In 1997, her connection to the Mohapatra lineage deepened when she married Ratikant Mohapatra, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's son, becoming his daughter-in-law. She is widely regarded as the foremost exponent of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra gharana of Odissi. Mohapatra performs extensively as a soloist and as a leading member of the Srjan Dance Troupe, founded by her father-in-law, both in India and internationally. Beyond her performances, she is deeply committed to teaching Odissi, conducting workshops globally. She serves as the Principal of 'Srjan' (Odissi Nrityabasa) in Bhubaneswar, a prestigious institution dedicated to the art form. In July 2011, she also established Guru Keerti Srjan in her hometown of Balasore. Academically accomplished, Mohapatra holds a Master's degree in Oriya Literature from Utkal University and received an honorary doctorate for dance from Fakir Mohan University in 2023. Her daughter, Preetisha Mohapatra, continues the family's dance legacy as an established Odissi dancer. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017), Nritya Choodamani (2014), Sanjukta Panigrahi Samman, Raza Puruskar (2008), Devadasi Award, Aditya Birla Kala Kiran Award, Pandit Jasraj Award, Mahari Award, Hope of India (2001), Nritya Ragini (2002), Abhi Nandika (2004), Bhimeswar Pratikha Samman (2004), Honorary Doctorate for Dance (2023).