Trilochan Mohanta

🪔 About

Trilochan Mohanta, an eminent Indian classical dancer, is a distinguished practitioner of the Mayurbhanj Chhau style, a semi-classical dance form characterized by its martial movements and absence of masks. Born in Bada Jambuani village in the Morada block of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, Mohanta began his journey in Chhau dance at the tender age of eight, overcoming financial hardships. He received his initial training from Guru Lal Mohan Patra, adhering to the traditional 'guru-shishya' parampara, and performed with the Uttar Sahi Chhau dance troupe. Furthering his expertise, he also trained at the Mayurbhanj Chhau Pratisthan from 1982 to 1986. Currently serving as a guru at Project Chhauni, Mohanta has been instrumental in documenting the fundamental procedures of Chhau dance, including six tobka, 36 ufli, and 216 upaufli, which are crucial for aspiring artists to master the form. His dedication to preserving the traditional folk and tribal heritage of Odisha through Chhau dance was recognized with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2020. The award, announced in November 2022 and presented by President Droupadi Murmu in February 2023, included a Tamrapatra (citation), an Angavastram, and a cash prize of INR 1,00,000. Mohanta's career has seen him perform internationally in countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean islands. He has also collaborated with renowned artists like Ileana Citaristi, Santosh Nair, and Sharmila Biswas, and conducted workshops at the National Chhau Kendra in Bokaro, Jharkhand. Among his notable students are Carolina Prada, Alexandra Vyadonapava, and Ankit Paharia. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2020).