HIMANSHU GURU, OP
Suryasnata Pradhan, who bagged the ‘Dandiya Queen’ title at a recently held event, believes she has more of an actor in her than a model or dancer
Dandiya, although it is not a native Oriya dance, has many a fan in the state. The dance, which involves the rhythmic clacking of a pair of sticks while moving energetically in whirls, performing complicated, choreographed moves in tune with music made using percussion instruments such as the dholak, tabla and bongo, is also associated with religion. Each year in Bhubaneswar Dandiya nights are organised during Navratri and this year was no different.
One of the Dandiya shows organised by Prayas organisation saw Suryasnata ‘Chinu’ Pradhan, a girl from Bhubaneswar, winning the ‘Dandiya queen’ title. Orissa POST caught up with this aspiring actress set on course for a career in the world of glitz and glamour.
For 21-year-old Suryasnata, it was clear that she would go into the fashion industry right from college. Her father Ganesh Chandra Pradhan, a crime branch DSP, and mother Bijaylaxmi, knew that their daughter, a product of DAV School, Chandrasekharpur, Prabhujee English medium School and then Jayadev College of Education & Technology, Naharakanta, would not go wrong with her decision. And her brother Jayprakash, who chose civil services for his career, also backs her decision.
The Dandiya Queen title has only firmed Suryasnata’s resolve. “I am extremely excited. I was taken by surprise when it was announced that I had won the title. Hundreds of girls had participated in the event and winning from among the 12 finalists shortlisted was wonderful,” Suryasnata said.
“Practice” made her perfect. “I had practised a lot before the event. My friends Neha Das, who is a good singer and Odissi dancer and Lipsa Routray took care of my make-up and costumes and taught me a few steps,” she said.
Friends of Suryasnata had always felt that she was made for the fashion industry. But she herself was not as confident, struck as she was with stage fright. “I used to be a shy girl. Then, in Class X, I developed a fascination for beauty pageants. My friends encouraged me a lot to try my hand at fashion. I participated in some such events: I made it to the early few rounds of the Miss Kalinga beauty pageant 2016 in Puri but later quit the show since I had to focus on studies,” she said.
She returned to her original pursuit with ‘Find a Friend’ an event organised by Odisha Fashion Villa, a Bhubaneswar-based group that grooms and helps models. “I learnt about the event a few months back from the social media. I contacted Abhijit Mohanty of the group to take part and was recognised. He was the one who encouraged me to participate in the Dandiya contest,” Suryasnata said.
Chinu looks up to Odissi dancer and advocate Rajalaxmi Nayak, an aunt of hers, for inspiration. Her family provides the necessary support. “My mother supports me a lot and Rajalaxmi aunty inspires me. I am also inspired by Sri Bana Mohanty, the founder of Prayas, and Odissi dancer Pratibha Panda. My father, too, supports me but he has advised me against doing things that may affect the dignity of his profession, which I am glad to follow. He wants me to focus on my career,” Suryasnata said.
Although she has not taken any formal training in acting, Suryasnata believes she has more of an actor in her than a model or dancer. “I have not taken any professional training in acting so far but I have a strong sense of fashion. These days I am training under Oriya film choreographer Girish Mohanty in hip-hop and freestyle besides other contemporary styles. So far I have learned to dance to popular Hindi film songs such as ‘Chikni Chameli’, ‘Khich Meri Photo’, ‘Kargayi Chul’, and ‘Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai’. I am waiting my chance in films,” Suryasnata said.
