Odissi dance style – originating from
the temples of Orissa during the twelfth Century – has traversed a long way to
acclaim its position among the seven recognized forms of Indian Classical
Dances and curved a niche in international arena as a versatile dance style.
This formidable feat could be
attained through sustained and tireless efforts of many maestros especially
legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Padma Vibhusan, who enriched the dance
style to scale it to new heights over the centuries.
Mamata Biswas, a disciple of Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra as well as her front line disciple Srimati Debi Basu and Aloka
Kanungo, ventures to spread the art form of Odissi dance to extend the chord of
guru – shishya parampara.
Mamata took her first step as Odissi
dancer under the tutelage of guru Gaur Charannayak of Balasore, Orissa at the
teen age and curved her position in the district as well as the state. She was
conferred with the title 'Nritya Shree' by the institute in recognition of her
performances.
Even though her academic progression
had slowed down her progression to some extent, it could not deter her from
taking up the dance style as a career and continued her grooming as a dancer
under the guidance of universally acclaimed guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra, who
took upon the task of promoting the Odissi dance style to every nook and corner
of India as well as abroad. She also trained under the front ranking disciple
of guruji – guru Alokakanungo, who through her versatile style curved a niche in
the field of Odissi dance style all over the country.
Her family life took her to many
places throughout the country as well as abroad – but where ever she went, she
never lost the link with the dance and continued with her endeavor to promote
the same through her own performances as well as grooming young stars in Odissi
dance form.
In her long traverse, she came in
contact with guru Debi Basu, a front line disciple of guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra,
best known for her perfection and purity and a prodigy in Odissi dance form and
presently Mamata trains under her in Mumbai.
Mamata has to her distinction several
public performances in many a prestigious dance festival in India and abroad in
her way forward and won over her audience with her dance style which got her
acclaims and recognitions.
Mamata was conferred with Shivali Nritya Shiromani Award for outstanding contribution in the field of Odissi dance during Shivali festival, 2014, at Mumbai
Mamata,
besides her own career, runs a center for teaching Odissi dance style in Navi Mumbai
– Natyaniketan - to guide the aspiring talents and budding dancers to adapt to
the dance style with perfections.