For Ranjana Gauhar, Odissi is more than a dance form: ‘It is a philosophy, an ideology that makes you one with God’

Born in 1949 in Delhi, the Odissi maestro recently choreographed and directed the musical dance drama, Khud Mein Kabir, Kabir Mein Hum, to bring out the life and philosophy of Sant Kabir.

In a conversation with indianexpress.com over email, Gauhar talked about the greatest inspiration in her life, the struggles she faced in her classical dance journey, the powerful lessons she has learnt in her career, and much more.

Here are the lightly edited excerpts:

Q: What drew you to the world of Odissi dance? What made you choose Odissi from other dance forms?

Gauhar: I remember as a little girl I had a deep yearning for freedom — to be able to fly and be one with nature. I could feel rhythmic energy in everything around me as well as within. So, when my father encouraged my elder sister and me to take up Kathak classes, I was very involved in learning the art but my tryst with the dance form did not last long due to academic pressures.

It was during my graduation that I attended an Odissi recital for the first time, which made me ecstatic and in awe with the nuances of this particular dance form — the sheer beauty, the aesthetics, lyrical and delicate qualities of this beautiful dance with such suave movements, soulful music, and a devotional flavour — bowled me over. It struck me to an extent that I simply wanted to learn Odissi dance.

 

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A post shared by Ranjana Gauhar (@ranjanaodissi) 

Q: Who inspires you the most in life?

Gauhar: Odissi in its entirety inspires me. All the elements that bring out this dance form instill my soul and give a purpose to my life. Odissi has everything I had been looking for to complete me and give meaning to my existence.

Above all, I hold Gita Govinda very dear to me. These marvellous poems written by Shri Jayadeva are the epitome of classical poetry and are unparalleled. It has been an integral part of my learning Odissi.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have learnt this dance form under the tutelage of my Guruji Shri Mayadhar Raut — one of the pillars of Odissi who is responsible for laying down the very foundation of the dance form. With his training in Kalakshetra where he learnt Natya Shastra and Abhinay Darpan in detail, his renditions have been unique. I have drawn great inspiration from him.

Q: What does Odissi mean to you?

Gauhar: I reckon Odissi was always meant to be. I grew up in a family environment where Lord Vishnu and Krishna were predominant deities and greatly venerated. My mother was a deep devotee of Lord Krishna, and my upbringing was the path to eventually observe Odissi as a way of life.

Odissi is not a dance form alone. It is a philosophy, an ideology that makes you one with God. It has a balmy effect on the performer and the onlooker as the recital drifts from one graceful mudra to another. The movements are so fluid and lyrical — cocooned in such meaningful and emotionally rich poetic compositions that you trance away to a place where worldliness seems too minuscule to even ponder upon. Odissi has inspired me to have a gracious heart.

 

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Q: What struggles did you face in your classical dance journey?

Gauhar: Once I graduated in Odissi dance after training under my guru for 13 years, I was faced with the question of surviving and continuing in the world of dance. The only way that a dancer can prove herself is by showcasing her talent and learning in front of an audience. But the challenge was how do you get opportunities to perform? How to get platforms to showcase your art?

So initially, there were a lot of struggles. It involved a lot of convincing organisers. But deep in my heart, I knew that if Odissi had chosen me to come this far, it would help me meander my way into realising my dream and showing my art to the world.

I began to travel abroad, mainly to Europe, and discovered a wonderful, very appreciative audience there. In the early 80s, Odissi was very little known in countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Holland, and I chose to dance in these places very frequently. It was through these opportunities that I got abroad in the beginning more than in India, that I managed to spread this beautiful art form. With some cooperation from supportive organisers who would repeatedly invite me to perform year after year, I was able to sustain myself and earn a certain amount to have a little independent income.

But then once I established myself here in India too, slowly I started getting more performances and the rest is history.

Q: What is the idea behind your musical dance drama Khud Mein Kabir, Kabir Mein Hum?

Gauhar: Kabir’s teachings are extremely philosophical and spiritual. At the same time, they are immensely abstract. It is astounding how they are relevant in today’s world when religion is brutally dividing people. We wanted to reach out to a larger audience and propagate Kabir’s ideology. However, depicting his poetry through dance is not easy, so we have showcased it through art and movements.

His dohas have been recited and passed down for centuries for their deep and spiritual meaning. In my production, I have tried to incorporate the various layers of the person Kabir and his philosophy.

 

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Q: What has been the most powerful lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Gauhar: The most important and powerful lesson that I learnt is that one must listen to one’s inner voice. My inner voice constantly propelled me to adopt Odissi, it was always my calling.

I also realised that it was not just enough to be a dancer. So, I made many documentary films on classical and folk dances. I am also very fond of doing lecture demonstrations in remote areas. I feel that it is so important to spread the art to people who have lesser access and opportunities.

Q: Which is one principle in life you hold strongly?

Gauhar: I believe in honesty and straightforwardness. When I find people not being straight with me, it upsets and disappoints me. This is the one principle I hold very high.

Q: Apart from dance, what other interests do you have?

Gauhar: Dance does not leave much time for a dancer to do other things. But I am very fond of painting, and I used to paint a lot in my younger days. I am very fond of listening to good music as well such as the tunes of Pandit Jasraj and Bhimsen Joshi.

I also love reading books, especially on spirituality, philosophy and mythology. And I love taking my dogs for a walk.

 

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Q: As a septuagenarian, how do you manage your fitness to practice your craft?

Gauhar: As a dancer from a young age, I have always followed a regime of exercises, yoga, and pranayama. Whether I was young or old, I will always continue to do it because I feel that it is one blessing that you can give to yourself. Yoga is one thing that keeps me going.