Sanjukta Panigrahi

🪔 About

Sanjukta Panigrahi (August 24, 1944 – June 24, 1997) was a legendary Indian classical dancer, widely recognized as the foremost exponent of Odissi. Born in Berhampur, Ganjam District, Odisha, to a traditional Brahmin family, she was the first Odia woman to embrace this ancient classical dance at an early age, playing a pivotal role in its grand revival and popularization both in India and abroad. Panigrahi began her dance training at the tender age of four under the tutelage of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her mother encouraged her passion for dance despite initial societal resistance, as Odissi was then associated with temple dancers (maharis and gotipuras). At nine, she moved to Kalakshetra in Chennai, where she trained for six years under Rukmini Devi Arundale, earning a 'Nrityapraveen' diploma in Bharatnatyam with Kathakali as a secondary subject. Upon returning to Odisha at 14, she chose to dedicate herself entirely to Odissi, becoming Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's most prominent disciple. Together with her husband, vocalist Raghunath Panigrahi, she formed a celebrated duo, with Raghunath providing soulful vocal accompaniment to her performances. Sanjukta's career spanned four decades, during which she performed extensively across India and represented the Indian government in cultural delegations to countries including the USA, the Philippines (1969), the United Kingdom (1983), Israel, Greece (1989), and France. She also taught and demonstrated Odissi at the International School of Theatre Anthropology in Bologna, Italy, in 1986, 1990, and 1992, contributing to its global recognition. Her forte was Nritta (pure dance), and she was known for choreographing innovative pieces while preserving traditional forms. Sanjukta Panigrahi passed away from cancer on June 24, 1997, at the age of 52. In 1999, her husband established the 'Sanjukta Panigrahi Memorial Trust' to perpetuate her legacy, offering scholarships and awards to promote Odissi dance. Awards & Honours: First prize in International Children's Film Festival (1952), Padma Shri (1975), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1976).