Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
Rishita Panigrahi has mastered the intricate steps of Odissi at a young age and mesmerised audiences with her performances on stage and TV
When it comes to dancing, Bhubaneswar-based Rishita Panigrahi is a known face among people who love watching dance reality shows. She has been dancing ever since she was three years old, and it became quickly clear to everyone who saw her perform that she was a prodigy of sorts. Since then, she has become a popular face in reality shows like ‘Jhoom Odisha Jhoom’ and ‘Dance Odisha Dance’.
That’s not all. She performs on stage and has gained a large fan following not only for being cute but also for her admirable dancing skills. Orissa POST chats with the Class IV student of Takshila School about her aspirations and inspiration.
Born to a manager of a multinational company, Roshan Panigrahi, and homemaker Rashmi Prava Padhi, Rishita has also appeared in the mega soap ‘Tulasi’ and a health programme on TV, ‘Janani Sishu Surakhya’.
“She was a toddler when she developed interest in Odissi. She used to watch dance programmes seriously and follow the dance moves. We, her parents, noticed her growing interest in classical dance. Convinced about her talent, we encouraged her to pursue Odissi and other forms of dance. Her talent bloomed under the expert guidance of her teachers Sujata Pradhan, Gautam Bhatacharya and Sneha Manjuri. Soon she has mastered the classical as well as modern dance forms,” says Roshan.
“She was just four years old when she participated in Makar Utsav at Old Town. She was performing to the bhajan ‘Achyutam Keshavam’. It was her first stage show. She just wowed the audience and won the hearts of the jury members. I too was taken aback by her performance as she did not make the audience feel that she was a first time performer. Odissi exponent Minati Mishra came to the stage and praised her, saying: ‘I did not know ABC of Odissi when I was of her age. But Rishita is really talented.’ She advised me to encourage the pocket-sized performer.”
Apart from bagging ‘Pragyan Pratibha’ award, Rishita has also won dance competitions like ‘Bhubaneswar Got Dance Talent’. Besides, she has earned kudos for her sizzling performances at several stage shows held by Rhythm Dance Academy and Swagatika.
Rishita, who was the semi-finalist at the dance reality show ‘Jhoom Odisha Jhoom’,
oves walking the ramp and fashion shows. Apart from being a good student, she is also good at other activities. “Whatever she does be it study or dance, she does it wholeheartedly. This makes me really proud of her,” says Roshan. About her inspiration, the little dancer says, “My papa”. “I would like to attribute my success to my father who does all sorts of things to make me happy.”
Dwelling on the performance she enjoyed the most, Rishita says: “I loved to perform at ‘Bhubaneswar Got Dance Talent’ time and again. I used to have loads of fun there because apart from dance, we played games and met celebrities. This year, Anubha and Jina were the special guests. Last year, filmstar Sabyasachi had graced the occasion. That’s why I love to take part in the programme every year.”
Rishita’s faves
Favourite food: Any chicken dish
Favourite place: Vaishno Devi temple
Favourite actor: Deepika Padukone
Aim: To be a good dancer-cum-choreographer
Nickname: Nitu
