One of the most graceful and lyrical classical style of dancing is Odissi, known for aesthetic technique, sensuality and sensitivity. One of the foremost exponents and mentors of Odissi in Mumbai is Pandit Rabindra Atibudhi, whose contribution spans for more than forty years. He has taught Odissi to showbiz personalities like Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Meenakshi Seshadri, Rani Mukherjee, Tabu etc. In an exclusive interview for CINEBUSTER with VIJAY SHANKER, Rabindra talks about his early fascination for music and dance as a young boy, his determination to take up Odissi against several odds, his difficulties in popularizing Odissi in Mumbai etc.
How and where and by whom were you initiated to dance?
I hail from Orissa and had a great fascination for music and dance. A group of musicians used to visit my hometown for music performances. I used to be thrilled listening to their music and I wonder as to how music emerged from the wooden box which was known as the Harmonium. I wanted to touch it and would slowly go near it and touch it and run away and naturally the musicians were disgusted with my crazy behavior
How did you learn dance as an art form?
It was not easy at all, as my father became aware of my madness, and I would be locked in the house, particularly, when the music group arrived. One fine day, through one of my friends I came to know that in another village lived a great maestro and a particular girl was getting married and she would eventually go to the other village, hence I could go along with them secretly. I somehow broke the door and ran away from the house and joined the group moving towards the other village. Since I was a small boy, nobody really noticed me in the crowd, when I was about to reach the village, a man spotted me and asked me who am I and told him about my intention and he agreed to help me out. I reached the village and for the first time I had the good fortune of meeting the great maestro – Padmashri Tarini Charan Patro
How did your parents react to your sudden disappearance?
Initially they were furious but slowly they were convinced of my madness for music and dance and allowed me to pursue it. I learnt and became a “Gotipua”(boy dancers dressed like females). He was a great teacher and a very wonderful person. I also had the privilege of learning Odissi from the traditional dance teacher Guru Pankaj Charan Das and the celebrated mentor Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.
Can you recall your experience with your mentors?
Since I was a obedient and sincere student, I did not have any problem with anyone. The highlight of my association with Kelubabu was when I won the National award for my performance in the Odissi film Shri Krishna Rasleela (Geet Govind) with choreography by Guru Kelucharan Mahapatro. I also won the National award for my acting and choreography in the Oriya documentary film Sculptures of Love and am also privileged to with the prestigious Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi award and the Lifetime Achievement award from the Governor of Orissa.
When did you come to Mumbai and what were the difficulties you had to face in your pursuit of popularizing Odissi?
I arrived in 1972 and it was rather difficult to make a living as a dance teacher. I approached some schools and made a start.
How did Showbiz personalities contact you?
My association with Nalanda has been for quite a long time. I am extremely grateful to Dr Kanak Rele for giving me a foothold as a Odissi teacher in Nalanda. I was fortunate to represent Odissi in the film Nirtya Bharati that showcased Indian classical dances and conceived and directed by Dr Kanak Rele helself. Since Juhu is inhabited by Bollywood I started getting students who were very well connected with the industry.
What has been your equation with Hema Malini?
Hemaji is a great personality, always willing to learn, and although she could not continue for long, she introduced her daughters Esha and Ahana and they have been regularly performing Odissi for various festivals
What about other stars, whose nature did you like the best?
They all learnt when they had the time and I too was happy to teach them but Meenakshi Seshadiri’s concern for learning and to do well was amazing, she would not show any attitude at all and was always keen to work hard
You directed the dance sequence in Damini?
Yes. That dance sequence performed by Meenakshi Seshadiri was taught by me in the “tandava” style with lot of intense emotion and striking movements that reflected on the character of Damini.
You did not take up any other choreography assignments for films!
Not many. Bollywood dancing is meant to excite and caters to the mass but movies like Devdas had heavy dose of Kathak which is encouragingbut all said and done, it depends on the film, as the dances would vary in content, style and execution.
You have academies Odissi Kalakshetra and Shree Kshetra!
I have established my own dance academies Odissi Kalakshetra and Shree Kshetra. My daughters Runuru and Rachita are also Odiissi dancers and am glad that today Odissi is really popular in Mumbai”
What is your advice to dance aspirants?
Classical dance is not easy, and only if you are really serious about it, you should learn it, as otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy nor understand how intricate classical dance is.
