Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
Known for his poignant expressions and graceful movements, GOUTAM RAY has made a mark in Odissi dance. Nurtured under the strict vigilance of the legendary Guru Shri Kanduricharan Behera, he has performed in Dubai, America, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Paris. That apart, he has showcased his dancing prowess in many prestigious national and international festivals. Since the age of three, dance has been a way of life for him. His unending and insatiable passion for dance is remarkable and it is for him a beautiful way of communion with the Almighty. His graceful steps accompanied by his sweet smile makes his dance unique in its own way. Winner of many reality shows, Goutam believes he was a born dancer and hard work and dedication have shaped his career. In a candid interview with Orissa POST, the dancer dwells on the difficulties male Odissi dancers confront. Excerpts:
What is the most memorable experience from your childhood days?
When I was nine, I went to Hyderabad with my father Ganesh Chandra Ray to participate in a dance programme. I was lost in the crowd. I spent an hour searching my father. I had no hope that I would see my father again. I was completely helpless as I did not know anyone there. I was crying. After sometime, I saw my father standing in front of me, thanks to Lord Jagannath. I can never forget that day. I would like to narrate another memorable incident. When I was performing in the first season of the reality show, ‘Nupur’ aired on Prathana, I got a standing ovations from the judges and audience in all the episodes after my performances. Finally, I won the reality show.
Do you hail from a family of artistes?
Yes. My father used to play the lead character in Jollywood or the Jatra industry. He met with an accident following which he left the Jatra industry. Acting ran in his veins. He wanted to me to learn Odissi. Before I could understand anything, my father enrolled me in the dance institution Godmecor institute. At the age of three, I started learning the dance form. He used to take me to various village festivals. You can say he was my first teacher. I developed an undying passion for dance after I got admission in Godmecor institute in Kendrapada. Since then I have been deeply in love with this dance form. I am happy that I have been able to fulfil my father’s desire and live up to his expectations.
What is the difference between performing in India and abroad?
According to me the only difference is that in foreign countries the spectators appreciate performers. People from every walk of life usually come to see an Odissi dance festival, whereas in our country there are only a limited number of Odissi dance lovers. Youngsters, in particular, hardly show interest towards the dance.
As a performer, what are the different changes you have noticed in the dance scene over the years?
I have not seen many changes yet. But one thing I can say is that there are dancers who try to showcase Odissi in a modern way. Fusion is widely prevalent, which according to me should not be appreciated or entertained.
How would you define yourself as an Odissi dancer?
I’ve a lot more left to learn and explore in Odissi dance. Now my focus is to acquire more knowledge about the dance form through vigorous practice so as to bring myself to a level when I will be sure enough to impart my knowledge to a large number of dance lovers.
What is your aim as a dancer?
I believe in spreading love. I love to keep myself and everyone else happy. My life’s motto is to explore the world through my dance and obviously to make my parents proud. I believe in God and always keep faith in Him. I feel that I communicate with the Almighty through the dance form. I had a dream to dance in front of the chariots during the annual sojourn of the Trinity during Rath Yatra. In 2015, Kumar Bhimsen sir gave me a chance to dance in front of the Trinity. Since 2015, I have been performing at Rath Yatra. Before the Trinity are being taken to the chariots as part of the Pahandi Bije ritual, I welcome Lord Jagannath and His siblings. I escort the Trinity from temple to their respective chariots.
How has Odissi changed your life?
Odissi has taught me to respect my own culture. It has brought me closer to God. It’s really a blessing to be able to learn one of the classical dance forms of India. I did not appear for the Plus II examinations only to secure admission in Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya to follow my dream. Had I appeared for Plus II, I would have wasted one year for enrollment into the prestigious college. At that time, my sole aim was to make a mark in the field of dance. It was Odissi which gave me an opportunity to be a part of many national and international events. I have recently performed at Asian Championship and loved it. I am really grateful to my Gurus Kanduricharan Behera, Manoranjan Pradhan, Naba Kishore Mishra, Lingaraj Pradhan and Bichitrananda Swain for shaping my career. At present, I am running an institution called Shivakshya Foundation in Bhubaneswar under the guidance of Guru Lingaraj Pradhan.
As a male Odissi dancer have you ever faced any difficulty?
Although I have personally never faced any difficulty for being a male dancer, I have seen many fellow dancers having to withstand criticism. This happens because there are people who think that dance is only meant to be performed by women not men. It’s a misconception and it is sad that many people can’t cure them of this blinkered notion.
