Bhubaneswar: Noted Odissi dancer Sujata Mohapatra has been selected for Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017 in the field of dance – Odissi.
She is among the 42 artistes picked by the General Council of the Akademi at its meeting in Imphal, Manipur, on June 8. They include 12 artistes from the field of music, nine each from dance and theatre, and 10 from traditional, folk, tribal music, dance and puppetry fields
Disciple and daughter-in-law of legendary Odissi guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sujata forayed into dancing at an early age and 18 years of training under his watchful eyes turned her into a graceful performer, who won accolades from both audience and critics.
Sujata has a compelling stage presence and her dance is noted particularly for its strict adherence to Kelucharan Mohapatra style known for its grace, depth of expression, and technical exactitude.
She is married to her guru’s son Ratikant Mohapatra and their daughter Preetisha Mohapatra is also an Odissi dancer.
Sujata will receive the award from the President of India at a function in New Delhi.
