Geeta Mahalik Biography 
Geeta Mahalik is an Odissi dancer and dance choreographer from Koraput, Odisha, regarded as one of the finest artists of modern times. She is a recipient of Padma Shri award 2014, Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Gramini Award and many more awards for her outstanding contributions to the field. She is a disciple of veteran artist Mayadhar Raut who helped Geeta to develop a style of her own, described by many as sheer poetry in motion. Geeta has performed in many cultural events, live concerts, dance festivals etc in India and also abroad, popularizing this art form among the masses. She is the founder of an NGO, Geeta's Upasana, based in Delhi, for promoting arts and culture.
Geeta Mahalik hails from Koraput, Odisha, born in the year 1948. She started learning dance at a very early age. Deba Prasad Dash was her first guru, followed by famous artist Mayadhar Raut, which played a magnificent role in shaping her career as an artist, and also developing an individual style. She is also credited to giving a national flavor to the traditional style of Odissi. She has also choreographed many dance dramas. Krishnabhilasha, Lavanyavati, and Draupadi - Antim Prashna are her major works as a dance choreographer.
She is the Founder Director of Geeta's Upasana, which promotes Indian arts, and currently serves as a member of General Council - Sangeet Natak Akademi & Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi. She is on the artists panel of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. She also serves as a member of Expert Committee on Odissi dance - Ministry of Culture, which has also given her Senior National Fellowship.
Published: July 23, 2018
Updated: July 23, 2018
