Madan Mohan Lenka

Madan Mohan Lenka

Madan Mohan Lenka was one of the finest Mayurbhanj Chhau dancers who has revived and enhanced the folk dance of Orissa, during 1947.

Madan Mohan Lenka was a renowned guru of Mayurbhanj style of Chhaudance, 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.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com

Recently Updated Articles in Indian Dances


•	Kathakali Dancers Kathakali dancers of India embody grace, passion, and storytelling prowess. Through their vibrant costumes, expressive movements, and intricate makeup, they bring ancient tales to life on stage.

•	Sattriya Dance Sattriya is a form of Indian classical dance which originated in the Indian state of Assam, a classification that traces its roots to ancient drama and music texts of India, particularly the Natya Shastra.

•	Bharatnatyam Dancers Indian Bharatnatyam dancers are skilled performers of the national dance form of India. With their expressive movements and deep-rooted cultural connections, they bring the beauty and grace of Bharatnatyam to life, captivating audiences both in India and around the world.

•	Odissi Odissi is an ancient classical dance which was originally developed in the temple of Jagannath in Odisha as a form of worship and meditation. This dance form traces its roots to the ancient Hindu text Natya Shastra and is known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive storytelling.

•	Kathak Dance Kathak is one of the classical dances of India which had its origins in the northern parts of India.

E-magazine

Subscribe to E-Magazine on Art & Culture