An ode to a guru & his style of Odissi

The Orissa Chapter of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) hosts regular cultural events in the Capital under its Horizon concert series. And the last two concerts, staged at Jaydev Bhawan and Rabindra Mandap recently by Suravi (Guru Pitambar Biswal) and Nrutyayana (Guru Durga Charan Ranbir) Odissi dance troupes respectively, were literally an ode to Guru Debaprasad Das, whose style of Odissi is being pursued and promoted by these two prominent troupes. While Guru Ranbir is the prime disciple of late Debaprasad, Guru Biswal is the prime disciple of Guru Ranbir.“ICCR has empanelled artistes and troupes who are being deputed to perform Odissi abroad. Since such troupes present and promote Odissi, we thought it wise to present some glimpses of their works for the audience at home here”, explained ICCR’s Regional Director Minakshi Mishra. Suravi and Nrutyayana have been ICCR’s empanelled troupes.Suravi’s presentation at Jaydev Bhawan with six female and one male dancer comprised of choreographic works of its founder director Biswal and his guru Ranbir. While Hari-Hari-Sabda, Kalabati pallabi and Bhadrakali Astakam were Biswal’s compositions, Suryastaka, the concluding presentation, was by Ranbir. In Hari-Hara-Sabda that delineates the attributes of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, Biswal has attempted to incorporate the typical rhythmic patterns of the sabda-swar-pata that is exclusive to the Debaprasad style. Similarly, Bhadrakali Astakam was an attempt to present different facets of Goddess Kali while Suryastaka was homage to the Sun God. The stage of Jaydev Bhawan was too small for the seven-member troupe along with live orchestra to present their performances neatly.In contrast, the spacious Rabindra Mandap was ideal for Nrutyayana’s 10-member troupe that also performed with live music with Guru Ranbir conducting the concert.Aditya Archana, Guru Ranbir’s most popular composition so far, was the ideal choice for the invocatory mangalacharan. Sthayee, the troupe’s next presentation with four male dancers and a pure dance number, was a composition of late Debaprasad. It incorporated elements of the raw Gotipua dance to juxtapose the refined movements of Odissi. And the final presentation – the most enchanting one of the evening - was Balagopalstaka choreographed by Ranbir that showed the leela of the wonder kid Krishna.