The Magic of Sanjukta Panigrahi Yuva Mahotsav

One of the celebrated Odissi dancer known for her grace and dedication to the art form is Jhelum Paranjape. With a background steeped in classical training, she has captivated audiences with her expressive performances that blend tradition and innovation. Jhelum’s journey in dance began at a young age, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of India. She has participated in numerous festivals and workshops, showcasing her talent both nationally and internationally. As a mentor, she is passionate about nurturing the next generation of dancers, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through movement. Jhelum is also actively involved in organising cultural events, including the Sanjukta Panigrahi Yuva Mahotsav, which honours the legacy of the legendary dancer Sanjukta Panigrahi. Her commitment to the arts and her ability to connect with audiences make her a prominent figure in the Indian dance community. Through her work, she continues to inspire many aspiring dancers. I spoke with the supremely talented Paranjape. Excerpts from the interview:

What was the concept behind the Sanjukta Panigrahi Yuva Mahotsav? Why was it initiated, and what does it commemorate?
The Sanjukta Panigrahi Yuva Mahotsav was started in 2004 to commemorate what would have been the 60th birthday of the legendary dancer Sanjukta Panigrahi. She was a remarkable figure in the dance community, known for her dedication to nurturing young talent. The festival was established to honour her legacy and provide a platform for aspiring dancers to showcase their skills and express themselves. Sanjukta always encouraged youth, and this festival serves as a tribute to her spirit.

How has the journey of the festival been so far, and how has it evolved over the years?
The journey has been incredible, though not without its challenges. When we first launched the festival, the dance scene was predominantly focused on solo performances. Many festivals at the time only featured individual dancers, which limited opportunities for young performers. At Smitalay, we decided to do something different by introducing group presentations with a minimum of five dancers. In our inaugural year, we showcased four schools performing Odissi, and as the years progressed, we expanded to include various styles and groups from across Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
Over time, we noticed a shift in the dance landscape, leading us to change our format from group to solo performances. This transition allowed us to focus on the individuality of each dancer. One memorable year, we featured only male dancers, which was a refreshing change and highlighted the exceptional talent in classical dance. Our age criteria for participants have also evolved; we initially focused on ages 18-25, then expanded to 25-35, and most recently 30-40.

What made this year’s festival particularly special?
This year was especially significant as it marked the 80th birth anniversary of Sanjukta Panigrahi. To honour her legacy, we wanted to present something unique. Instead of the usual Yuva Mahotsav format, we invited mother-daughter pairs to perform the same dance style, showcasing the bond and shared passion for dance. Additionally, we featured pairs who combined different classical dance styles, which highlighted the beauty of diversity in Indian dance.
We had Sujata and Preetisha Mohapatra performing Odissi, Gauri and Tarini Tripathi showcasing Kathak, and Vyjayanthi and Prateeksha Kashi presenting Kuchipudi. There were also exciting pairings like Prateesha Suresh and Aneri Sheth, who performed Sattariya and Mohiniattam, and Mitali and Raul D’Souza with their Odissi and Bharatanatyam fusion. This blend of styles and generations made the festival a rich and varied celebration of dance.

Organizing a festival is no small feat. Who would you like to thank for making it happen?
It truly is a massive undertaking! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Smitalay Committee, who tirelessly work behind the scenes to bring this festival to life. I’m also thankful for our dedicated students who volunteered and supported the event. Additionally, a huge thank you to all the dancers who put their heart and soul into their performances. And, of course, our audience deserves immense appreciation; without them, this festival wouldn’t be the success it is. The Mumbai dance community has been incredibly encouraging, and it was wonderful to see so many stalwarts come to support us and cheer on the dancers.

Currently, the festival is based in Mumbai. Do you have any future plans to expand it to other cities?
As of now, we intend to keep it a Mumbai-based festival. The festival has developed a unique identity here, and I feel that relocating it might dilute that essence. We have built strong connections with the local community, and the festival has become a staple in Mumbai’s cultural calendar. While I appreciate the idea of taking it to other cities, I want to focus on strengthening its roots in Mumbai for the time being.

Looking back, what lessons have you learned from organising this festival?
I’ve learned so much about the power of perseverance and collaboration. Every year brings its own set of challenges, whether it’s logistical issues or unexpected circumstances. However, working closely with passionate individuals has taught me that teamwork is crucial. The festival is not just about the performances; it’s about creating an environment where artists can thrive and connect with each other. I’ve also learned to adapt and be open to change, which has been vital for the festival’s growth.

What is your vision for the future of the Sanjukta Panigrahi Yuva Mahotsav?
My vision is to continue honouring Sanjukta’s legacy by fostering young talent and encouraging creativity. I hope to expand the festival’s offerings while maintaining its core values. Perhaps we could introduce workshops or mentorship programs alongside the performances, providing young dancers with more opportunities to learn and grow. Ultimately, I want the festival to be a space where tradition meets innovation, allowing dance to evolve while respecting its roots. I’m excited about the future of the festival and the journey ahead. Dance is a powerful medium, and I believe it will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder, a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award by the Government of India. He can be contacted on [email protected]