Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
Talented dancer, folk artiste and model, young Subhendu Lenka is all set to make his film debut
Subhendu Lenka has many feathers in his cap. He is an Odissi dancer, folk artiste, model and social worker. Known for his poignant expressions and flawless dance moves, Subhendu has carved a niche for himself in the contemporary Indian folk theatre scene. A disciple of Guru Bichitrananda Swain, Subhendu hails from a family of artistes. For more than a decade, he has performed before appreciative audiences in various places in India such as Assam, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Nagaland, UP, and Karnataka and also abroad, in Thailand. In a candid conversation with Orissa POST, the 23-year old dancer regrets the lack of respect for classical and folk artistes in the state.
Subhendu took his first dance steps when he was just three. “Be it modern or classical, I love dance. I used to participate in cultural functions organised by my school and other local bodies. When my performances were appreciated, I felt that I must learn dance methodically. When I told my parents that I wanted to learn classical dance and make a mark in this field, they were not encouraging. Though my father Jagabandhu and uncle Raghunath Lenka were theatre artistes, they firmly opposed my decision. However, my elder sister was always there for me, to boost my morale. I started participating in dance competitions without telling my parents. The only person with whom I shared my secrets was my elder sister. After some time, my parents realised my deep love for dance and they also started encouraging me.”
Apart from dance, Subhendu has made a name for himself in folk theatre. He plays the lead character of Gauda in Moghul Tamasha, the three centuries old folk theatre of the state exclusive to Bhadrak. Besides, he performs lead characters in another theatre form Chadheya Chadheyani, which is exclusive to Balasore. A diploma holder in Odissi, Subhendu runs a dance academy, Sahid Smruti Sikhya Kendra. He has also formed the Sanchar Cultural Association to revive and support dying theatre forms like Moghul Tamasha and Chadheya Chadheyani in the state.
Looking back at his performances, Subhendu recalls an interesting incident. “I was invited to perform at the Rashtriya Adhibesan in Delhi after I was felicitated at the National Youth Festival in Assam. I was enacting Durga Tandab and was wearing the Maa Durga costume. To my surprise, no one could recognise me. I got a standing ovation from the audience consisting of cricketers and Bollywood actors. But a moment that will remain with me forever is when dashing cricketer Yuvraj Singh came to the stage and hugged me.”
The recipients of awards like Nrutya Pratibha Samman, Nrutya Prabina Samman, Pratibha Sangam Award, Natyacharya Raghunath Panda Award, Orissa Jatra Award and many more, Subhendu says, “I was so happy when the team led by me received the first prize at the Tashan Bazz event held in Bhubaneswar recently. As many as 64 teams participated and we won the trophy. It meant a lot to me and my team.”
Subhendu, who aims to make a mark as an Odissi dancer at the international level, says, “For me, classical dance, especially Odissi, has been a learning experience as it has shown me the relation between dance and music, and it has taught me the use of eyes, body movements, and hand gestures for narrating a story, describing a God or a mythological event, or expressing emotions. Classical dance has taught me to be more focused. This is a complete art form where history, art, music, theatre, dance, sculpture, philosophy, and literature come together.”
Subhendu has performed in albums such as Samaya Sathire, Asichhu Mo Jibane and Nida Nahin and is all set to make his debut in Oriya films. “I have signed two films, but it is too early to say anything more about them. However, I can reveal that I am playing the protagonist in both the movies,” he says.
The talented artiste donates 30 per cent of his earnings for noble causes every month. He has been felicitated with the best model of Orissa award by Model Mirror, Bhubaneswar. However, he does have one regret. “People do not respect classical dancers. We are invited to perform at many places but not given due respect, and that is unfortunate,” he says.
In a nutshell
Nickname: Bapu
Inspiration: Elder sister
Favourite dancers: Kelucharan Mohapatra, Kumkum Mohanty
Favourite food: Pakhal, Fish fry
Favourite place: Puri
