Kumkum Mohanty

Shrimati Kumkum Mohanty is a world famous Odissi dancer. She has received training under Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra at Kala Vikash Kendra. Her contribution to the field of Odissi dance has been vast and praiseworthy. Kumkum Mohanty has been honoured with the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1994.

As a child, Kumkum Mohanty was an exceptional dancer. A serious student of Kelucharan Mohapatra, Kumkum Mohanty grew up as an outstanding dancer, dedicated to the dance form of Odissi. She has shined in her sensitive portrayal of Asthapadis from the Gita Govinda and she has also taken lead roles in a large number of choreographic works by her guru. She has also participated in many important dance recitals in the country as well as in abroad.

When the Government of Orissa founded the Odissi Research Centre, the chair of the chief executive was presented to none other than Kumkum Mohanty, one of the prominent and senior Odissi dancers in India as she is. With the other masters of Odissi dance and music Kumkum Mohanty carried out noteworthy work in recording the documents and diffusion of the tradition. Kumkum has choreographed a number of dance pieces herself.

Shrimati Mohanty is also the Special Secretary (Culture) to the Government of Orissa. She has been rewarded with Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1993, followed by the Sangeet Natak Academy Award the next year.