Which of the following dancers won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Chhau dance in 2018?

The correct answer is Tapan Kumar Pattanayak.

Key Points

• Tapan Kumar Pattanayak is a renowned Indian dancer known for his expertise in Chhau dance, a traditional Indian dance form.
• He was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Chhau dance in 2018, recognizing his contributions to this art form.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is India's highest honor for performing arts, given by the National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama.
• Chhau dance has three main styles: Seraikella Chhau, Purulia Chhau, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, each originating from different regions of India.
• Tapan Kumar Pattanayak has played a vital role in preserving and promoting the Mayurbhanj Chhau style, which is characterized by its energetic movements and martial art elements.

Additional Information

• Chhau Dance
  • Chhau is a semi-classical Indian dance form that incorporates martial arts, folklore, and storytelling.
  • It is primarily performed in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
  • Chhau dance uses masks in some styles, such as Purulia Chhau, whereas Mayurbhanj Chhau is performed without masks.
  • The themes of Chhau performances often revolve around episodes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi
  • Established in 1952, Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's National Academy for Music, Dance, and Drama.
  • The Akademi Awards are conferred annually to artists for their outstanding achievements in performing arts.
  • It aims to preserve and promote India's rich cultural heritage and traditional art forms.
• Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance
  • Originating from Odisha, Mayurbhanj Chhau is a mask-less version of Chhau dance.
  • It is known for its vigorous and dynamic movements, often depicting themes of heroism and mythology.
  • Mayurbhanj Chhau incorporates elements of acrobatics and martial arts, making it visually captivating.
• Key Figures in Chhau Dance
  • Many notable artists have contributed to the development and preservation of Chhau dance, including Tapan Kumar Pattanayak.
  • Efforts by dancers and cultural institutions have helped Chhau gain recognition both nationally and internationally.