Laxmipriya Mohapatra

🪔 About

Laxmipriya Mohapatra (born 1928 in Khurda, Odisha – died March 20, 2021, in Bhubaneswar) was a pioneering Indian classical dancer, celebrated for her significant contributions to the revival and popularization of Odissi dance. Taught by her mother, actress and dancer Tulasi Devi, Mohapatra began performing at the Annapurna Theatre in Puri at the tender age of seven. By 17, she had become a star performer, captivating audiences with her artistry. Her career took a pivotal turn in Cuttack, where she met her future husband, the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. In 1946, after training in Odissi with him, she made history by performing the first solo Odissi dance on stage, a monumental event in the efforts to revive the classical form. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman to perform the traditional Gotipua dance on stage in 1947. Beyond Odissi, she was proficient in various traditional folk dance forms, performing at Republic Day parades in New Delhi during the 1950s. Mohapatra was also an accomplished actress, appearing in numerous plays and Odia films such as "Manika Jodi," "Suryamukhi," "Mala Jahna," and "Amadabata." By the early 1960s, she transitioned from active performance to dedicate herself to her family and nurturing students at their home, which later evolved into Srjan, a renowned classical dance institution in Bhubaneswar. She officially retired from professional dancing in 1985 to support her husband's burgeoning career. After Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's demise, she served as the chief trustee of Srjan. Her inspiring presence and dedication encouraged many, including girls from educated families, to pursue Odissi. She passed away at the age of 93 and was cremated with state honors, with a five-day Odissi festival dedicated to her memory in September 2021.