Bhubaneswar: Utsav Charan Das, an expert and exponent of Ghoda Nacha (horse dance), passed away on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Odisha’s Choudwar. He was 80.
Das was conferred the Padma Shri in 2020 for preserving the dying art form for over six decades. He was also a recipient of the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Born in Tangimania village, Das spent most of his childhood in Choudwar, where he pursued his education and nurtured his passion for the performing arts. He resolved to dedicate his life to Ghoda Nacha, a vibrant folk dance form depicting horse movements and deeply rooted in Odisha’s cultural heritage, while studying in Class VIII. His journey was marked by relentless commitment and innovation. Over decades, he became synonymous with the art form, ensuring its survival and relevance in modern times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also honoured the Odissi Chaiti Ghada dancer by inviting him to a meeting in Cuttack.
Tributes have poured in from his fraternity, with many emphasising that Das’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha Pravati Parida also mourned his death through posts on X.
“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear of the passing of Padma awardee Utsav Charan Das, the distinguished artist who took Odisha’s traditional folk art ‘Chhau Ghoda Nacha’ to the world stage. His unparalleled contribution to enriching Odisha’s folk culture through his impeccable acting and poetic songs is immeasurable. His demise has created an irreplaceable void in the Odia art world. While praying for the eternal peace of his soul, I extend my condolences to his bereaved family,” Dharmendra wrote.
Pravati also described his demise as an ‘irreplaceable loss for the world of folk art’. “…. familiar in every household and honoured with the Padma Shri award…. I pray to Lord Sri Jagannath for the eternal peace of his soul. In this hour of grief, I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members and well-wishers,” she wrote.
