Rajkumar Singhajit Singh Biography 
Rajkumar Singhajit Singh is a great exponent of Manipuri dance. He is a leading performer, teacher as well as a choreographer of this art form. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. He has also received Padma Shri in 1986 and Delhi Sahitya Kala Parishad Award (1975). Other awards include - Academy Ratna Award, 2011, Manipur Sahitya Parishad Nritya Award (1975), Nritya Choodamani from Chennai, Homi Bhabha Fellowship (1976–1978) and Fellow of Manipur State Kala Academy. He received Doctor of Letters (hon) from North Eastern Hills University.
Rajkumar Singhajit Singh was born on May 1, 1931 in an art family. His family included many accomplished dancers and singers. His formal training in Manipuri dance started at a younger age and he studied from many talented gurus of his early age. He learnt different essentials of Manipuri dance from Guru Ojha Iboton Singh, Guru Amubi Singh, Guru Thambal Angou Singh, Guru Chauba Singh and finally Guru Ojha Gaura Singh, who taught him marital art forms of sword and spear.
Very soon he became a noted performer and choreographer. He joined Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, in 1954. He was appointed as the head of the section. In 1962, he founded the ‘Triveni Ballet’. Rajkumar Singhajit Singh is married to Charu Sija Mathur, an artist from Manipur. She too has received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and is the founder of Manipuri Nrityashram, a Manipuri dance school in New Delhi. Rajkumar Singhajit Singh and his wife are training advanced students in this institution. They bring out a ballet every year in Manipuri dance to improve the talents of students. Rajkumar and his team have toured many countries with their dance shows. Most recently, his work, Ashta Nayika was widely appreciated by fans as well as critics for its wonderful choreography. Important elements of his choreographed works include - Thang-ta, Nata-sankirtana, Lai-haraoba and Rasleela.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 08, 2014
