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 SAMAKSH 2025: A celebration of grace, emotion, and artistic excellence Photos: Ganesh Sahoo February 19, 2025 The evening of SAMAKSH 2025, held on the 11th and 12th of February at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar, was an experience of unparalleled beauty and artistic depth. Organized by one of Bhubaneswar’s leading Odissi institutions, Sanchari Trust, in its second annual edition, stood as a testimony to the enduring power of Odissi dance and the remarkable talents dedicated to preserving and evolving this art form. Led by the promising Odissi dancer Rudraprasad Swain, the event was an impeccable showcase of devotion, discipline, and artistic expression. The evening also saw the masterful anchoring of Ananya Parida, whose eloquence and deep understanding of the dance form made the experience even more engaging. The performances of the evening were thoughtfully curated, bringing together a diverse repertoire of compositions ranging from classical Odia abhinaya to deeply spiritual bhajans and the timeless verses of Jayadeva's Geeta Govinda. Each dancer brought a unique sensibility to the stage, and watching them perform was akin to witnessing poetry in motion, each moment infused with meaning and emotion. A profound narration of ‘Barabadhu'  Madhusmita Mohanty The evening commenced with Madhusmita Mohanty's spellbinding interpretation of Barabadhu, an Odia abhinaya penned by the eminent poet Mayadhara Mansingh. Choreographed by Guru Aruna Mohanty and set to music by Sumant Mohanty, the piece was an evocative exploration of the turmoil and strength of a woman in distress. Madhusmita's portrayal was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her command over abhinaya was evident as she seamlessly transitioned between subtle expressions and intense emotional outbursts. The anguish, resilience, and quiet dignity of the protagonist were brought to life through her nuanced mukhabhinaya. With every glance, every delicate movement of her eyes and hands, she painted a vivid picture of the character's internal struggles. The choreography itself was layered, offering moments of restrained elegance and sudden emotional surges, which Madhusmita executed with remarkable finesse. The haunting melody composed by Sumant Mohanty complemented her performance, creating a deeply immersive experience. The divine devotion of 'Shriramachandra Krupalu Bhajamana'  Rajashri Praharaj Following this intense performance, Rajashri Praharaj transported the audience into a realm of devotion with her presentation of Shriramachandra Krupalu Bhajamana, a bhajan by Sant Tulsidas. Choreographed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and set to the serene composition of Pradip Kumar Das, this piece radiated spiritual fervour. Rajashri's performance seamlessly blended precision and grace, embodying the devotion of a true seeker. Through expressive gestures and fluid transitions, she brought the lyrics to life with striking clarity. Marked by intricate spins and precise footwork, her dance reflected her deep training and mastery of Odissi. Her depiction of Seeta Swayamvara featured a brilliant twist, where the failed attempts of various kings to lift the Shivadhanu were portrayed with engaging sanchari and a touch of humour. With storytelling finesse, she gave distinct character to each role, making the sequence both compelling and dramatic. The moment of Rama's effortless triumph served as a powerful culmination, leaving the audience in quiet contemplation. A vibrant expression of Odia Abhinaya  Dipti Routray Dipti Routray took the stage with two back-to-back Odia abhinaya pieces, Nakara re Rama Mana by Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja and Sarigali Laje Sajani by Kabichandra Kalicharan Pattnaik. Choreographed by Guru Durgacharan Ranbir and set to music by Pradip Ray, these compositions offered a glimpse into the rich tradition of Odissi abhinaya. Dipti's presentation carried a distinct charm as she moved through the contrasting moods of both pieces. In Nakara re Rama Mana, she portrayed the playful essence of Upendra Bhanja's poetry, while Sarigali Laje Sajani required a softer, more delicate approach, which she rendered with sincerity. Her expressions and movements reflected her understanding of the compositions, and she carried herself with grace throughout the performance. Her dedication to the art form was evident in her poised stage presence, and she presented both abhinaya pieces with commendable effort, adding to the evening's rich tapestry of Odissi dance. A graceful presentation of Ashtapadi  Janhabi Behera Janhabi Behera presented the Ashtapadi Samudita Madane from Jayadeva's Geeta Govinda, a composition rich in lyrical beauty and devotional fervour. Choreographed by Guru Aruna Mohanty and set to the evocative music of Dr. Subas Pani, the piece explored the essence of Radha's longing and divine love for Krishna. Janhabi's performance carried a quiet elegance, as she portrayed Radha's emotions with grace and sincerity. Her expressive movements and delicate gestures reflected the mood of the composition, capturing the essence of Jayadeva's poetry with a refined sense of artistry. The choreography, blending soft, flowing movements with intricate footwork, was presented with poise, complementing the musical cadence. Her stage presence was captivating, and she maintained a steady engagement with the audience, drawing them into the narrative. The serenity and devotion in her expressions added to the charm of her performance, making it a delightful part of the evening's presentations. A tribute to Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's legacy  Manaranjan Pradhan The final performance of the evening was a moment of reverence and nostalgia, as the esteemed dancer and retired professor of Utkal University of Culture, Dr. Manaranjan Pradhan presented Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's iconic choreography of Ahenila Saila Prabala Matta Barana, an Odia Janana set to the soul-stirring music of Pt. Bhubaneswar Mishra. His years of experience and deep reverence for the composition were evident in every movement. He approached the piece with a sense of quiet dignity, embodying the spiritual depth and surrender inherent in the Janana. The slow, meditative pacing of the choreography allowed for profound expressiveness, and Manaranjan's ability to evoke the imagery of Lord Jagannath was deeply moving. His performance was a fitting conclusion to the evening, reminding the audience of the rich legacy of Odissi and the contributions of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra in shaping its modern identity. The evening of SAMAKSH 2025 was more than just a series of performances—it was a celebration of Odissi's vast emotional spectrum, from devotion and romance to introspection and storytelling. The meticulous curation of the repertoire ensured that every presentation brought something unique to the stage. As a rasika seated in the audience, watching these artistes perform was a visual delight. Having observed their artistic journey for over two decades, it was evident how deeply they had immersed themselves in their craft. Their portrayal of abhinaya was both nuanced and intelligent, reflecting their evolving mastery of the art form. Despite their individual differences in presentation, technique, and interpretation, their ability to evoke rasa and connect with the audience brought immense satisfaction, making the experience truly enriching and joyful.  Guru Dr. Snehaprava Samantray receiving "Samaksh Kala Samman"  Rajashri Praharaj receiving "Samaksh Yuva Samman" A moment of pride was the felicitation of Guru Dr. Snehaprava Samantray with the Samaksh Kala Samman award, honouring her lifetime achievement and invaluable contributions to Odissi dance. Her dedication has shaped generations of dancers, leaving an enduring legacy. Rajashri Praharaj was recognised with the Samaksh Yuva Samman award, for her immense contribution and her role in inspiring the present generation of Odissi dancers and students with her artistry and commitment. Kudos to Rudraprasad Swain for his vision and dedication in organizing such an enriching event and to the ever graceful Ananya Parida for steering the evening with her eloquence. As the curtains fell on this splendid evening, one could not help but reflect on the evolving yet deeply rooted journey of Odissi dance. With such dedicated artists carrying its torch forward, the future of Odissi remains luminous, ensuring that its timeless beauty continues to enchant generations to come. As mentioned earlier, the SAMAKSH 2025 was organised for two days, but this reviewer could only attend the first evening of the festival.  Ratikant Mohapatra, as Director of Srjan and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Communication, and Indic Studies at Sri Sri University, stands as a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance. With a career spanning over 40 years, his artistry as a dancer, choreographer, and educator has profoundly shaped Odissi's journey. Under his guidance, Srjan has earned national and global acclaim, merging neo-classical innovation with traditional grace. Honoured with the Central and State Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and a Guinness World Record for orchestrating 555 Odissi dancers, his legacy reflects a steadfast dedication to the evolution and timeless beauty of Odissi. Response * Nicely expressed thoughts of an interesting evening of Odissi. It would have been a very special experience to watch Dr Manaranjan Pradhan's abhinaya. Hope I could see his abhinaya sometime..Thanks for sharing. - V V Ramani (Feb 23, 2025) Post your comments Please provide your name and email id along with your comment. All appropriate comments posted with name and email id in the blog will also be featured in the site. |
