MY STORY

Born on 6th September 1962 at Seraikella, in a family of traditional gharana of Pattanayak (Akhada). Received Training of Chhau Dance under the Legend Late Guru Kedar Nath Sahu (Padmashri) and advance training of Chhau under Late Rajkumar Suddhendra Narayan Singhdeo (Padmashri) at Royal Dance Centre Seraikella and started the carrier as a Chhau performer at a tender age of 8 in addition to Chhau Dance, took Participation in Odiya and Hindi Plays (Drama). Academically graduated in Science from Ranchi University,Ranchi. At the age of 31 joined as the artistic Director, Rajkiya Chhau Nritya Kala Kendra, and Seraikella 1994.

I have performed on innumerable stages of different states and across the country, going recognitions and accolades for innate artistry, with authentic presentation, graceful style and ultimate perfection. Also participated in State and National Level Seminars and organized many workshops in different states and abroad countries.

I have been showing my talent since last 49 years. I have performed in different major cities of India. Performed in Science Congress at Ranchi before Hon’ble Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi,1982, Ranchi. Represented “Festival of India” in France and Culture Exchange Program in Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea organized by I.C.C.R - New Delhi during the years 1985-1987.

Performed before Hon’ble Vice President of India R. Venkatraman in New Delhi in 1986 and in 1992 when he was then Hon’ble President of India.

Performed in workshops, Lecture Demonstrations and Dance programs in different cities of France organized by Expert Express in the year 1985-1986, also in National Centre for Performing Arts, Tata Theatre and Mumbai Door Darshan in Mumbai organized by Govt. of Maharashtra in the year 1987, performed in trade fair of India at Sarang Theatre New Delhi before Hon’ble Shri Bindheswari Prasad Dubey, CM of Bihar in 1989. Participated in India International Dance Festival as a star Dancer organized by I.C.C.R, I.A.F and SNA, New Delhi in the year 1990, also participated in Silpogram Utsav at Rajasthan (Udaipur) as a performer and artistic Director in 1994, organized by N.Z.C.C and E.Z.C.C. I have also organized many workshops to spread out our Dance form in major cities & capitals of India.

My lectures and performances were being telecasted in Door Darshan, Surabhi, Zee News, Zee Sahara, Parakh, and ETV Bihar/Jharkhand and in other local Channels. There was a short serial being aired on Prasar Bharati (All India Radio) on the topic “Chhau - Seraikella Ki Ek Anmol Kala” under my guidance on 22 March 2004 at 6:15 Pm for 30 minutes and on many more occasions on several other topics.

I have also worked in a project of Restoration of Chhau Dance of Seraikella and Mayurbhanj (Odisha) region as a resource person REFRO (Rural Development Environment Protection, Forestation and Research Organization) in order to save our Culture from Western Style, Patna, Bihar, 1997.Participated in National Youth Festival at Jamshedpur as a state Contingent Leader of Jharkhand Cultural Group in 2004. I have also worked for preservation and for the promotion of Chhau by opening a Digital Community Archive of Seraikella Chhau with the collaboration of National Folklore Support Centre, Chennai founded by Tata Education Trust 2009-2010 and published a book by N.F.S.C called “CHHAU”.

I have trained many students at Govt. Chhau Dance Centre in Seraikella,Khasawan,Silli and I served as Visiting Guru/Teacher at Rabindra Bharti University, Kolkata(W.B) as well as Sidhu Kanhu Birsa University, West Bengal and have also trained many foreign students from Russia, France and many other countries for promotion of this art form. I am also working to bring the rural based artists (SC/ST/BC & others) to involve the youth to the mainstream.

Seraikella Chhau which was so far male bastion, I have introduced local female artists in Chhau since 1995 to empower and strengthen the history of Chhau Tradition. I am also a member of Chhau Board, Member of Syllabus Committee of Sidho Kanho Birsa University Purulia (W.B) and have framed the syllabus for certificate course and diploma courses of Purulia Manbhum Chhau and also the framed the same for Seraikella Chhau under the Kolhan University Chaibasa, Jharkhand.

I have choreographed 11 Dance Ballets of Chhau i.e. DHARMAPODA(Konark),VANDE MATARAM(Bapu),SHRISTI(Creation),DROUPADI,PARYAVARAN(Environment),JHARKHAND KE YUG PURUS-Bhagwan Birsa Munda,Fusion of three styles of Chhau, etc.

I have received many prestigious Awards/Honors/Appreciations from different states and organizations i.e. NATYA BHASKAR, BIRSA MUNDA KALA RATNA, KALA GURU, CHHAU RATNA, SAFDAR HASHMI AWARD , LOK KALA SAMMAN,  JHARKHAND SANSKRITIK SAMMAN, NRITYA TARANGINI KALA RATNA AWARD, 5th CMSB NATIONAL AWARD 2018, JHARKHAND CHHAU RATNA, etc

According to Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi I have been selected for Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2018 and will be honored on a special ceremony.

I am rendering my services continuously for promotion and propagation of this unique art Chhau in Jharkhand and neighboring states.