30+
Years of Experience
4+
Students Taught
1
Followers
❖ Guru Parampara ❖
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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,…
Journey Timeline
1960
Born in Seraikela, Jharkhand
c. 1966
Began dancing at age 6
c. 1972
First performance (Manch Pravesh) at age 12 in Chaitra Parva
1974
Began learning Indian Combat techniques
Early 1990s
Moved to Mumbai, worked at Gurukul Dance Academy and Prithvi Theatre
c. 1996
Began teaching Chhau dance
2003
Performed with Dr. Sonal Mansingh in USA and Canada
2004
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2005
Received Jharkhand Rajkiya Samman
2013
Received Guru Dev Prasad Das Samman
2015
Received Lifetime Achievement Award from Government of Jharkhand
2020
Received Padma Shri
2024
Conducted a 3-day Chhau intensive workshop at University of Hyderabad
2026
Acharya Chhau Nrutya Bichitra showcased Seraikella Chhau at NCPA Mumbai Dance Season
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 2020 · Padma Shri — Government of India
- 2004 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- 2005 · Rajkiya Samman — Government of Jharkhand
- 2013 · Guru Dev Prasad Das Samman — Government of Odisha
- 2015 · Lifetime Achievement Award — Government of Jharkhand
- Unity in Diversity PhD Art & Culture Samman — PHD House, New Delhi
- Natyashree Award — Nataraj Music and Dance Academy, Visakhapatnam
Media Coverage
- Shashadhar Acharya: The Chhau Maestro
THE DANCE INDIA
- Dance as a legacy
The Telegraph
- Behind the mask
The Hindu
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