Ranjana Gauhar, (Padmashri) Odissi danseuse

Ranjana Gauhar has reasons to keep smiling and feel elated. She has recently been awarded the prestigious Padmashri for her achievements. This vivacious lady has worked steadily and quietly to carve a niche for herself in the arena of Odissi dancing. She has functioned as a virtual ambassador year old culture in numerous countries across the globe.

Besides public performances, Ranjana is heavily into choreography, teaching, presenting, directing and so forth. Delhi based danseuse Ranjana had just returned from an exciting trip to Latin America, when this correspondent went to meet her on behalf of National Network of Education. One found her quite natural and forthcoming regarding her career, her performances besides her outlook on life and things.

Excerpts from the interview:

Who or what made you decide on classical dance a career?

I really did not think about it so carefully. I do not have a background or family heritage of dance. However I was pulled in that direction by sheer love and a strong inner force, which I cannot describe. It was an inner urge, more emotional and spiritual than anything else. Maybe, you could ascribe it to the Karma of my past life. (Laughs). It was a soulful kind of a thing, related to my inner voice; nothing at the worldly level. I happened to watch a few live recitals of Odissi, which left an indelible impression on me.

Why did you opt for Odissi?

It would indeed be very difficult to answer this question. When an individual is young, he/she is unable to analyse whether what you are doing is right or wrong. I had learnt the Kathak style also, but eventually I felt, only Odissi was meant for me and nothing else. So I decide to take it up.

How did you relate dance and your subject literature?

In my case, I do not recollect where and how the two got mixed up, but certainly literature helps to give you a sense of the past. Literature (Sahitya) and dance (nritya) are inter- related because one cannot master a dance form without discovering in detail about its antecedents, the cultural changes and upheavals that took palace from time to time, the influence cast on it by the erstwhile societies, and so forth. I feel literature gives you a better understanding of life besides adding depth to your work.

What are the salient features of Odissi?

This dance form has myriads of sculpture-like poses, immense visual appeal, and a highly lyrical quality about it. In the Odissi style the dance and music fuse and blend so well. It has a deeply devotional quality, which is bound to touch every human heart. There is also a good deal of gentleness and softness; qualities that make it stand out among various dance forms.

Would you say that classical dance, as a profession is remunerative? Or do artists pursue it as: Art for art's sake?

Unfortunately, classical dance is not remunerative. It has not reached the optimum level of professionalism. It has to grow more professional in order to become remunerative. It is an undeniable fact of life that most of the professional dancers are actually taking up this art form simply for art's sake. Professional classical dance is very rigorous and demands a great deal of dedication devotion and commitment. This makes you sacrifice the ordinary, average lifestyle. (Pauses)

Our social set-up has left very little money for Arts. Patronage by states during the bygone ages was a very well thought of solution or back up. It is the state patronage alone that has helped all forms of art to flourish and continue. Like it or not, it is true that the common man cannot appreciate Art. Art has always been and will be for the elites. Most of us have read and heard about gods and celestial beings having been intricately involved with diverse art forms. This cannot be dismissed as mere fiction. There is an element of truth in it. Classical dance cannot be reduced or lowered to suit the tastes of the masses. It is mandatory for the state as well people in the higher echelons of the society to encourage the flourishing as well a development of Art.

Why and how did you diversify into teaching? Do you enjoy teaching?

Let me answer the second part of the question first. Everything I do is satisfactory. Whether it is teaching or choreography or writing a script, everything affords me a good deal of satisfaction and greatly nourishes me.

Onto the first part, you must realize that teaching dance to pupils has always been an integral part of all dance forms; how else could you carry on the rich traditions and heritage? However dance cannot be taught through books. It needs rigorous and constant practice. Teaching dance is indeed very tedious but I enjoy it thoroughly.

What are the attributes, which an aspiring classical dancer must have?

An individual should have the following qualities:

• A sense of dedication and devotion to the his/her dance
• Must nurture a basic fondness for music, rhythm and movements
• He/she must know about and value his/her own heritage and traditions.

I value our heritage and culture. It is the best thing India has, and we must show it to the world.

Which are the constraints, which you would like your disciples and the posterity to avoid?

First and foremost one must find the right Guru and also a willing Guru.I had no one to guide me, so I made many mistakes, I learnt by failing very many times. Besides, an individual's family and friends should support, guide and encourage him. Also, an aspirant must imbibe the music of the dance form first.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career?

That is again a tough question to answer. In fact there have been so many memorable moments during my entire career span that it is difficult to pinpoint any particular one.

Does classical dance face any threat from modern dance forms?
,br>I do not think so. As a matter of fact any modern dance form has its own distinct characteristics. It is down to earth, mundane, shorn of subtle nuances and intricacies, targeting the general public, more particularly the youth. It is not meant fors the connoisseurs of classical dance.

Does classical dance have any future in India?

Certainly. You must understand that traditional dance forms that are more than 2000 years old cannot and must not be allowed to pass into oblivion forever. True, the majority of youth today have digressed towards modern dance forms. Hence arises the need to create awareness and genuine interest in the minds of these young people, so that they are able to enjoy classical dance performances in the real sense of the term. It would come as a surprise to you that compared to the decades gone by, when people like me had embarked on dancing careers, there is greater awareness about classical dances now. Only proper orientation is required to arouse the sensitivity and sensibility of today's younger generation. Apparently thousands of young people are heavily into non-classical dances; but there is no dearth of real talent and latent qualities in many individuals, who will religiously carry forward the traditions in future.

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(As told to Ruchira Ghosh)