




One of the leading soloists of the country, Sujata is an accomplished
and versatile Odissi artiste from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Disciple and
daughter-in-law of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan
Mohapatra,
her interest in dance was nurtured at an early age by her
parents and
she took to the stage even as a child. Intensively
trained and groomed by her guru for more than eighteen years, she is
the bearer of his priceless cultural heritage. Sujata has also
undergone training at the Odissi Research Center in Bhubaneshwar and
is currently guided and supported by her husband Ratikant Mohapatra.
Sujata has a compelling and arresting stage presence, with an
exhilarating combination of intensity and spontaneity. Her dance is
particularly noteworthy for her strict adherence to her guru's style
and vision. Her lyrical movements perfectly epitomize the grace and
technical perfection of the Kelucharan Mohapatra gharana and her depth
of expression is evocative and moving.
Widely traveled over the world as a soloist and a leading member of
the Srjan Dance Troupe, she has also been a leading dancer in most of
her guru's great choreographies. Apart from her concert tours Sujata
is also a much sought after teacher. Currently she is the principal
of Srjan, the institute founded by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra for
imparting training in Odissi and also often conducts workshops in the
major centers of Odissi teaching throughout India and abroad. In
addition to her training in
Odissi, Sujata holds a Master's Degree in
Oriya literature from Utkal University and has extensively researched
temple architecture relating to the dance form.
ABOUT SUJATA