Madan Mohan Lenka (Mayurbhanj)

🪔 About

Madan Mohan Lenka was a renowned guru of the Mayurbhanj style of Chhau dance, an Indian classical dance form originating from Odisha. Born on June 20, 1914, in Baripada, Orissa (now Odisha), he began his dancing career at the young age of 13. Lenka received his training at the Uttarsahi Chhau Akhada, learning from esteemed gurus such as Kandrababu, Chandra Mohan Tarai, Baishnabajitbabu, and Mukunda Chandra Samal. His exceptional talent led to his induction as a court dancer by Pratap Chandra Bhanj Deo, the then Maharaja of Mayurbhanj. Madan Mohan Lenka is credited with single-handedly reviving and rejuvenating Mayurbhanj Chhau dance around 1947, a period when the art form faced serious threats and was nearly extinct due to the cessation of royal patronage. Many of his choreographic innovations have since become standard pieces in the Chhau repertoire. He was particularly acclaimed for his performances of Kailash Leela, Premik-Premikaa, and Garuda Bahana. Later in his career, he served as a guru at the Mayurbhanj Chhau Nritya Pratisthan in Baripada. Madan Mohan Lenka passed away on September 25, 2007, at the age of 93. Awards & Honours: State Sangeet Natak Akademi award (1978), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987).