Noted Odissi dancer Laxmipriya passes away at 86, state mourns

BHUBANESWAR: Laxmipriya Mohapatra, wife of legendary Odissi guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and a famous Odissi dancer herself, passed away at the age of 86 at her residence here on Saurday night. She is survived by son, daughter and daughter-in-law. She was suffering from age-related illness.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik condoled Laxmipriya’s death while remembering her contribution in promoting Odissi dance.He also announced a state funeral for the Odissi dancer. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries also condoled her death.
Besides being a dancer and stage performer, Laxmipriya was the inspiring presence in Kelucharan’s life. Hailing from Khurda, she and her mother stayed in Puri. She started as a dancer at Annapurna A theatre group at a young age. She became a very popular stage performer in plays like Bharasa, Ta poi, Kalapahada and Dasavatara.
She even acted in landmark Odia films like Surya Mukhi, Manika Jodi, Amada Bata and Mala Janha. “Her decision to choose a career as a dancer and stage artiste gave courage to many Odia girls from humble backgrounds to dedicate themselves to Odissi dance,” said Laxmipriya’s son and Odissi guru Ratikant Mohapatra.
She had performed with his husband several times. She had also worked in famous Annapurna B theatre in Cuttack.
Odissi artistes and former students of Guru Kelucharan address her as Guruma. She lived an active life apart from looking after her husband’s household and bringing up the second generation of Odissi dancers. After Kelucharan’s demise, she functioned as the chief trustee of SRJAN which was founded in 1993.