Ranjana Gauhar Biography 
Ranjana Gauhar is a famous Odissi dancer and choreographer. She is a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shree in 2003, followed by Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2007, given by government of India. Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Award and Mahari Award in 2007 are other major honours received by her. Gauhar is a leading exponent of the Indian Classical dance – Odissi, a temple dance form of Indian state Odisha. A multidimensional personality, this renowned artist bears the signature of a distinctive style because of her extensive training in Chhau, Kathak and Manipuri as well. She also authored a book “Odissi, The Dance Divine”, which was released on the 13 February, 2007. Ranjana has also produced and directed a number of ballets.
Ranjana Gauhar received formal training in Odissi from renowned gurus, Guru Mayadhar Rout and Aloka Paniker. Over the years, she has travelled extensively in different parts of the country and abroad, and has delivered performances in several prestigious dance festivals. She got opportunity to perform at global platforms such as Queen Elizabeth Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Hall of Plymouth, the Commonwealth Institute, Oxford University, Midlands Arts Centre and many more venues. She is a recipient of Senior Fellowship for her research in the temple tradition of Odissi dance by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Apart from making a mark as a renowned classical dancer, she has also done choreography works for many of her performances. She has choreographed and directed numerous ballets, taking themes and stories from Hindu mythology, and she has also depicted modern themes. She has also done fusion works, and worked with many renowned artists over the years. She started an NGO ‘Utsav’ in 1987 for the promotion of arts. Her other interests include theatre, painting etc.
Published: September 12, 2018
Updated: September 12, 2018
