Dipchand Bihari
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Saswat Ranjan Joshi needs no introduction. The internationally acclaimed Odissi dancer is a sought-after presence at major festivals across the globe and has walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for his work with Sandrine de Costa on the documentary Documentaire: Danse de l’Inde on Odissi.
Actor Deepika Padukone danced for the song ‘Goliyon ki Raasleela’ in the film ‘Ramleela’ under the tutelage of Saswat.
He is a recipient of numerous awards: Nritya Visharad Sangeet ratna award, Zee astitwa award, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi national award, Rotary national award, Sansruti Samman youth icon award from Orissa Television, Musee Guimet Artist award by Paris Communale, and ‘Shresta Odia’ award presented by Oriya society of United Kingdom.
Most recently, he also received the Kharavela award from NALCO for his significant contribution to odissi.
Orissa POST caught up with artist for a tete-a-tete on life and work. Excerpts:
How did your journey as an odissi dancer begin?
My life was oriented towards Odissi after I gave a presentation at a school function in Titilagarh. I was in Class XII then and former chief minister Janaki Ballav Pattanaik was chief guest at the event. He admired my performance and recommended me for a scholarship at Odissi Research Center. That made me what I am today. I remain grateful to him.
What or who motivated you most?
My family has been very supportive. My sister Rani, in particular, was a driving force. My guru Padmashee Ileana Citaristi shaped me into a dancer. She taught me discipline, devotion, determination, and dedication and elevated my work. I was a common dancer. Her training helped me reach heights.
What odds defined your journey?
I did go through some hard moments but do not wish to recall those. I still wonder how I have gotten to where I am after being raised in a middle class background in western Orissa.
What was your experience of Bollywood?
The opportunity to work with someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali was obviously amazing. I also got the opportunity to work with Neela Madahv Panda in ‘Kaun Kitne pani mein’.
What is your advice to young Odissi dancers?
The four ‘D’s — Discipline, Devotion, Determination, and Dedication — are very important for youngsters to make a career out of Odissi. It is our honour to represent our state through this classical dance form.
