Kum Kum Mohanty

Shrimati Kumkum Mohanty is a world famous Odissi dancer. She received training under Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra at Kala Vikash Kendra. Her contribution to the field of Odissi dance has been vast and praiseworthy. As a child, Kumkum was an exceptional dancer. A serious student of Kelucharan Mohapatra, she grew up to become an outstanding danseuse, dedicated to the dance form of Odissi. She shone in her sensitive portrayal of Asthapadis from the Gita Govinda and 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 abroad. When the Government of Orissa founded the Odissi Research Centre, the chair of the chief executive was presented to Kumkum Mohanty, being one of the most prominent and senior Odissi dancers in India. With the other masters of Odissi dance and music, she carried out noteworthy work in recording the documents and diffusion of the tradition. Kumkum has choreographed a number of dance pieces herself. She is also the Special Secretary (Culture) to the Government of Orissa and has been awarded the Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1993 and also the Sangeet Natak Academy Award the following year.