Where Rhythm Becomes Soul: The Dance Journey of Ranjana Gauhar

An acclaimed Odissi artist, Guru, performer, teacher, and choreographer Ranjana Gauhar is known for her deep devotion to the classical art form. A recipient of the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, she has played a pivotal role in popularizing Odissi globally. She trained under the legendary Guru Mayadhar Raut and later founded the Utsav Educational & Cultural Society to nurture young talent. Her performances are celebrated for their lyrical grace, emotive depth, and spiritual resonance. With over three decades of dedication, Ranjana Gauhar continues to be a guiding light in the world of Indian classical dance. Excerpts from the interview:

As one of India’s most respected Odissi exponents, your connection with dance seems almost spiritual. Can you tell us where it all began?

As far back as I can remember, my childhood was filled with a deep yearning for freedom — not just physical, but emotional. I always had this irresistible urge to fly, to dance on tree branches, and to merge with the rhythm of the world around me. I heard music in everything — the wind, birds, raindrops — and rhythm flowed through me as naturally as breath.

I’m the youngest of four siblings, and it was my father, a businessman, who first nurtured our love for dance. He enrolled my elder sister and me in a dance school. Although our first stint was short-lived, I later joined another school with a friend — and it was there that I was introduced to Kathak. For years, Kathak became my world. But academic pressures slowly edged it out. Board exams, expectations — they all took their toll.

It wasn’t until college that I witnessed an Odissi recital. That one moment changed my life.

What was it about Odissi that captivated you so deeply?

Everything. The sculptural beauty, lyrical movements, devotional music, and that timeless, antique grace — it was like watching poetry in motion. Odissi is filled with spiritual depth, especially through the Gita Govindam, which I consider the epitome of classical poetry. The mellifluous music and the subtle, emotive expressions drew me in completely. It felt like I had found my true self. I knew at that moment that this was my calling.

Tell us about your training in Odissi.

I had the immense privilege of learning under the legendary Guru Mayadhar Raut. Occasionally, I also learned from his senior disciple, Smt. Aloka Panikkar. My Guruji often said I had an insatiable appetite for dance. And it was true — I could practice for hours without fatigue. Even after classes ended, I would continue rehearsing — sometimes 7 to 8 hours a day — driven purely by passion.

But the path was not easy. My family, after a point, didn’t see the need to pursue dance further. They were concerned about stability. I stood firm. I knew I couldn’t give up dance. I became financially independent, took up teaching jobs, and supported my own training. Dance became my life’s anchor — teaching me not just art, but resilience, independence, and the courage to follow my truth.

You have trained many students over the years — both Indian and international. How do their journeys differ?

I see all my students as my children. I try to offer each one of them the same love and guidance. Indian students, being in close proximity, can attend regular classes, interact with musicians, and stay connected to the cultural context of Odissi.

For my international students, it’s much harder. They often leave everything behind — families, careers — just to immerse themselves in this art. That led me to establish Utsav Educational & Cultural Society — Ranjana’s Odissi Academy — nearly 38 years ago. Since then, my students have travelled across the globe — France, Korea, Spain, Argentina — performing, teaching, and sharing Odissi with the world. Many of them have received prestigious national and international awards, which speaks to their dedication and the richness of the tradition we uphold.

How has the guru-shishya relationship evolved over time?

When I was a student, the relationship was very formal. We never questioned our gurus. Today, students want more — not just a teacher, but a mentor, a friend. They ask questions, they research, they are curious. And I find that refreshing.

But the challenge now is larger. The younger generation faces immense pressure — financial constraints, career uncertainty. Most prepare for parallel professions. In my time, I chose to devote myself fully to dance. Today’s students often can’t. But for any classical art to survive, it needs commitment. As teachers, and as a society, we must create opportunities, platforms, and financial support to help young dancers pursue their calling.

Do you have a guiding philosophy you share with your students?

Always. I tell them: sing the song you are dancing to — not aloud, but within your heart. Let the bhāva and rasa emerge from within. The audience will only connect when the dancer truly feels every movement.

Even in pure dance, like a Pallavi, the joy must show on your face — like a flower slowly blooming. Only when the dancer embodies the dance can it truly come alive.

2025 has been a busy year for you. What have been some recent milestones?

It has been a very fulfilling year, we presented five of my students in their solo debuts — a deeply emotional moment. We also held a seminar with Delhi’s senior Odissi exponents to discuss the evolution of the form. It was wonderful to see younger dancers engage in dialogue, ask questions, and participate.

Another highlight was the 20th edition of my festival Saare Jahan Se Accha, which was received warmly by Delhi’s art lovers. At Utsav, we continue to organize other festivals like Unbound Beats of India and Su-Tarang for World Dance Day. These platforms give both established and budding dancers the visibility they deserve.

Looking ahead, I feel deeply optimistic. There’s so much more to do, and I’m excited for what the rest of the year holds.

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 sandipsoparrkar06@gmail.com