Madan Mohan Lenka was a renowned guru of Mayurbhanj style of Chhau dance, a folk dance of Orissa. He was born on June 20, 1914, in Baripada, Orissa. Lenka was trained at the Uttarsahi Chhau Akhada, under gurus like Kandrababu, Chandra Mohan Tarai, Baishnabajitbabu, and Mukunda Chandra Samal. He started his dancing career at the young age of 13.

Career of Madan Mohan Lenka
Madan Mohan Lenka, due to his immense talent, was inducted as a court dancer by Pratap Chandra Bhanj Deo, the then Maharaja of Mayurbhanj. He single handedly revived and rejuvenated the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance as it was facing serious threats and was almost extinct with the end of the royal patronage, during 1947. Many of Lenka`s choreographic innovations have become standard numbers in the Chhau repertoire. Madan Mohan Lenka was mostly appreciated for his performances of Kailash Leela, Premik-Premikaa and Garuda Bahana. These performances brought appreciation and glory to Lenka. Later, he became guru at Mayurbhanj Chhau Nritya Pratisthan in Baripada. Most of his students are renowned Chhau dancers who have performed around the globe.

Awards of Madan Mohan Lenka
Madan Mohan Lenka was honoured with the State Sangeet Natak Akademi award in the year 1978 and the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi award in the year 1987.

Death of Madan Mohan Lenka
Madan Mohan Lenka died on September 25, 2007, at the age of 93.

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