Bhubaneswar, Aug. 7: The Odissi fraternity in the state is awaiting the moment when 80-year-old Odissi exponent Sudhakar Sahoo will receive the Kendriya Sangeet Natak Akademi award in October for his contribution to the art. But, many feel the recognition has come way too late.
Sahoo, however, has no qualms. "It is definitely a great honour but it won't bring much change in my life now," said the dance teacher who has groomed famous talents such as Indrani Rehman and Sujata Mohapatra.
Sahoo was the first disciple of Debaprasad Das, one of the best exponents of Odissi, taking care of his mentor till his death. Not one to chase the limelight, Sahoo kept busy imparting lessons to youngsters.
"I find great happiness when a young dancer displays grace in performing a step," he said.
His one regret, however, is how social pressure cuts short careers of many talented female dancers after their marriage.
"It pains me to see so many wonderful talents could not go beyond a few small performances after settling with their family," said Sahoo.
While he presently resides in Balasore, Sahoo still visits Bhubaneswar to give Odissi lessons to a few young dancers.
He lost his wife long ago and his only son died in an accident a few years ago. He is the sole caretaker of his daughter-in-law and a grandchild. Though he kept away from limelight, Sahoo has many admirers in the fraternity who feel that his contributions deserved to be acknowledged two decades back.
"The jury that selects the awardees of the Sangeet Natak Akademi awards changes regularly and they come from across the country. May be that is why the jury was unaware of his contributions. Even at this age, he practises and teaches Odissi. The award definitely came late," said eminent dance choreographer and teacher Ratikant Mohapatra of Srjan that had honoured Sahoo with an award named after Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra last year. Sahoo is the only recipient belonging to an Odissi style other than the Kelucharan Mohapatra style.
Odissi artiste Sujata Mohapatra is glad that Sahoo will finally get the recognition he was due. "I was delighted to hear my first guru was chosen for the award. He has contributed immensely to the growth of Odissi and I am looking forward to when he will receive the award," she said.
