Soyong,OP
Janavi Mohanty may be only twelve, but she aims to represent Orissa at the international
level with her dance performance
Distinctively graceful, Odissi dance has mesmerised audiences across the world. Meet Janavi Mohanty, a student of Sri Krishna International School in Bhubaneswar, who has brought laurels to the state with her Odissi performances. Twelve-year-old Janavi is being trained by renowned Odissi dancer Aruna Mohanty. She has been learning Odissi at the Sangeet Natak Akademy, Bhubaneswar for six years. Besides, she has successfully cleared Gandharva (Odissi) from the University of Maharashtra.
Janavi has several awards and honours to her credit. She was felicitated by Orissa Governor SC Jamir in 2015. She was a runner-up in the ‘Nupur’ reality TV show aired on a private TV channel. She has also received the Aradhana Samman 2016 from Aradhana Dance Academy, Bhubaneswar and the Odisha Talent Award 2015 and Odisha Youth Conclave Award 2015. In her school, she always excels in cultural competitions.
Daughter of Sasmita and Anjan Kumar Mohanty, Janavi started dancing at the age of three after watching some dance shows on TV. She said, “I don’t know how it happens but whenever I watch Odissi dance my legs start tapping. Later, seeing my interest in dance my parents took me to Odissi classes.”
“My mother is a homemaker and the inspiration behind my love for dance. My father, who is a businessman, supports me but he does not get much time because of his busy schedule. So it is my mother who always accompanies me to my dance performances,” she added.
Janavi said, “I am good at performing mangalacharan, batu and abhinaya. But of these abhinaya is my favourite. I especially prefer the smooth-flowing steps. People have praised me for my expressive abhinaya during recitals.”
Besides dance, Janavi is also learning martial arts. She stood second in a state level Karate championship . She says, “For dance and Karate, you need to keep your body fit. Hence, for both these arts, I need to do rigorous physical exercises daily.”
A meritorious student, Janavi actively participates in extra-curricular activities in school. She has received many awards in debate, essay and extempore competitions. She has earned the best all-rounder award in her school twice. Asked about her career plans, Janavi said, “I am interested in joining the civil services.”
Surprisingly, she is not enamoured of the tinsel world. “I just want to be a classical dancer. I am not keen on films or albums.”
“My dream is to represent Orissa at the international level with my Odissi performances,” said Janavi.