Guru Sujata Mohapatra

Guru Sujata Mohapatra

A distinguished practitioner of Odissi, Ms. Sujata Mohapatra made her initial foray into the dancing arena in her early childhood.

Born into a rich cultural background, she grew up in an artistic environment that delicately nourished her creativity and brought out her innate interest in dance. An artistic environment at home and encouraging parents gave Sujata the impetus to learn Odissi.

She has completed more than eighteen years of training under the guidance of her Guru and simultaneously been trained by her husband Guru Ratikant Mohapatra at Srjan. She has also done a valuable stint at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre.

As the disciple and daughter-in-law of the Late Guru Padmabibhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra, the legendary exponent of Odissi, she was blessed enough to inherit his ardent devotion and blind passion for the classical dance form.

The eighteen years of rigorous training under the guidance of her Guru had eventually molded her into a graceful performer from a devoted and diligent disciple. She has also learned Odissi and attended research work at the Odissi Research Centre, Bhubaneswar.

Gifted with a resilient body, an amazing stamina, and large luminous eyes, Sujata has a compelling stage presence. A rare combination of intensity and spontaneity, Sujata’s dance is noted particularly for its strict adherence to Guruji’s style, which is known for its grace, depth of expression, and technical exactitude. Her dance has a striking sculpturesque quality that is at the core of her immense appeal. Among the present generation of dancers she has established herself as an artiste of repute, having mastered the technique and subtle proportions of the Odissi form.

Sujata’s dance has earned her unreserved accolades everywhere. She has performed extensively in all of the major cities of India. She has also performed internationally as a member of the Srjan (Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa) repertoire. Apart from being an excellent performer; Ms. Sujata Mohapatra is also actively involved in teaching Odissi. Presently, she holds the designation as the Principal of ‘Srjan’ (Odissi Nrityabhasa), a prime Odissi dance institution founded by Late Guru Padmabibhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra.

Her dedication has been acknowledged by the Pt. Jasraj Award, the Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi award, the Mahari award, the Aditya Birla Vikram Samman, the Raza Foundation Award and numerous others.