Danseuse Janhabi Behera has been passionate about dancing since childhood and her sole focus was to make it her profession. Today, she is one of the most prominent Odissi dancers and has performed across the world. Besides, she has won quite a few awards like the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, National Scholarship from the Department of Culture, Government of India, Singar Mani Award from the Sur Singar Samsad.
Blessed with a tall, slim and flexible figure, Janhabi excels in the technicalities of Odissi. Her swift and intricate movements and expressive eyes make her a delight to watch on stage. She has also been associated as a choreographer on shows for Doordarshan Kendra, Bhubaneswar. Since 1998, Janhabi has served on the board of the National Festival of Dance Drama.
Born in Bhubaneswar to Aradhana and Biswanath Behera, Janhabi says, “I was attracted towards dancing as a small child. My parents noticed my interest and enrolled me in a dance school in the neighbourhood. But I was not interested in modern dance. So, I started taking formal training in Odissi in 1991 under the guidance of Guru Shri Yudhistir Nayak and Guru Ramesh Chandra Jena at the Orissa Dance Academy. Later, I took lessons from Guru Gangadhar Pradhan and Aruna Mohanty.”
Janhabi’s training under some of the biggest names in Odissi dance helped her hone her skills and get stage ready. “Following my training, I started performing both solo and in group shows. Later, I completed Nritya Visharad in Odissi from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh. Of all the Odissi styles, I love abhinaya the most. In many festivals, I am invited only to perform abhinaya,” she says.
Janhabi undoubtedly is one of the best products of the Orissa Dance Academy. Her lyrical body movements, brilliant expressions and attractive persona have earned her accolades globally. She has performed in many countries including USA, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Mauritius, UK, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Oman, and North Korea.
Besides dancing, Janhabi also loves experimenting in the kitchen. She also trains aspiring Odissi singers in her free time. “It is not only about learning and taking training. One first needs to love the dance form. If you do not have interest, nobody can teach you. And if you love the dance form, then you can start exploring even when you are just learning the basics,” she says. “Odissi is an ancient dance form and is also a favourite of Lord Jagannath. I will continue performing till my last breath keeping the Lord in my mind.”
Janhabi has also earned a name as a popular rangoli artist. She recently conducted a workshop on making rangoli with flowers at Lalita Kala Akademi, Bhubaneswar. “Every flower has a different colour which not only gives it beauty but also makes it unique. Rangoli making is showcasing that beauty by arranging the flowers in different designs,” says Janhabi.
SOYONG, OP