Bhubaneswar: Odia Prabasi Sanmaan was conferred on well-known Odissi exponent Sharon Lowen in New Delhi, July 13. Born in America, Sharon fell in love with Odissi during her first visit to India way back in 1973. She attended a workshop of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra in 1975 which changed the course of her life. Sharon has done extensive research on Odissi and comparative studies in three forms of Chhau on a senior fellowship from the American Institute of Indian Studies. Orissa POST interacts with the danseuse about her current work, accolades and future. Excerpts:
How would you rate Odia Prabasi Sanmaan 2018?
I was amazed to receive this honour. To be considered for an award specifically for Odias who have made major international contribution, is an honour. It’s an emotional experience. Receiving an award adds to your responsibility and I feel comfortable with this responsibility as I see my disciples, in India and abroad, are devoted to propagating the art.
Best compliment ever received from Guru (late) KeluCharan Mahapatra?
He is an epic Guru who had never stopped inspiring me to live like an Odia and to love its culture and the Jagannnath culture. It was his passion for the dance which transformed me, I would say. Well, once he had said, “She is now one of my five best disciples who I can unhesitatingly recommend to represent the Odissi dance form anywhere in the world. She has mastered the tradition”. I still get heady whenever I remember that.
You have also choreographed Odissi for some movies?
Yes, I was featured in K Viswanth’s 1988 film Swarna Kamalam as a classical dancer and I had choreographed the title song. My other Odissi choreography is for Odia movie Chha Mana Atha Guntha based on Fakir Mohan Senapati’s novel by the same name.
Your advice for upcoming Odissi dancers?
I advise upcoming dancers not to settle for simply entertaining as the truly unique aspect of performing Odissi is that it can create a sacred space on stage. It is meant to communicate metaphysical understanding of the ultimate shared reality. This aim will keep you motivated throughout your life. If you are under 55, there is no excuse for not dancing in a proper deep chauka rather than sitting in Bharatanatyam ardhamandalam.
Accolades you have received so far?
I had received many awards and honours, including the prestigious Prime Minister’s Acharya Narendra Dev Sarokar SamajiK Samman by then Prime Minister Chandra Sekhar in 1991 and the Delhi administration Parishad Samman in 1993 for Individual contribution to Indian arts.
Your future plans?
Choreography for differently-abled and economically challenged students has been my commitment of decades. I am dedicated to arts education and social upliftment expressed through dance and cultural education projects, benefit concerts and consultations for Deepalaya, Akshay Pratisthan, Palna, Delhi Police School, and other government and private schools in Delhi and elsewhere. I feel deep attachment to under-privileged students and I constantly wish to work for them.
chaitali shome, OP
