Janmejoy Sai Babu, a reputed Chhau dancer from Odisha, was recently conferred the 2018 Sangeet Natak Academi award for his contribution to this traditional dance form. Chaitali Shome from Orissa POST interacted with this unpretentious artiste wherein he talked about his journey as a dancer, his achievements, future plans and his feelings on receiving the coveted award.
Tell us something about your background and your journey as a dancer.
My grandfather Radha Mohan Sai Babu taught Chhau in Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo’s palace and his son and my uncle Anant Charan Saibabu kept the tradition alive by teaching this dance form to common people after the monarchy ended. I started training in Chhau under my uncle at the age of seven. I have also learnt from Srikanta Sen, who was an assistant to my uncle then, in Baripada. Subsequently, I was trained by Khetramohan Das and Lalmohan Patra.
Does Mayurbhanj Chhau have any similarity with Kalaripayattu?
No, they are two dissimilar dance forms. In fact, Kalaripayattu is a martial art, while Mayurbhanj Chhau is a war dance form of eastern India that has been inspired by wars. Rukmaar dance of Mayurbhanj Chhau – based on wars – is very popular, but later it showcased the social, economic and religious aspects of the society. This dance is performed at night in open space to traditional and folk melodies played on reed pipes like mohuri and shehnai. Reverberating drumbeats dominate the accompanying music ensemble.
Tell us about the discipline required to be a great Chhau dancer.
One needs to work out daily for a least for three hours in the local akhada. Deep meditation, sheer determination, swimming in the river for no less than an hour and a healthy diet are the basic requirements to become a perfect Chhau dancer. One needs to make 20 air flips in the air in Chhau, which is not seen in any other traditional dance forms. We worship Bhairav before a dance performance.
What recognitions have come your way so far?
Many. I have been awarded the Best Student award at Baripada Chhau Akahda, Ustav Cultural Society’s ‘Ultimate Guru Award’ in 1991, Nrutya Shiromani Award from Odia Samaj in 1993 and the Best Teacher Award from Akshay Centre in 1985.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am of penning a research book called ’Dynasty of Mayurbhanja Chhau Darpan’.
What are your future plans for Odisha?
I feel hurt to see the Odisha Sangeet Natak Academi neglecting Chhau and its development. I am in pain when I see my fellow dancers drive auto-rickshaw or work as coolies to sustain. In near future I have plans to open an akhada at Babu Sahi in Baripada and help my contemporaries.
Who are your disciples now?
I teach students from all over the world at my school Gurukul Chhau Dance SangamIndelhi (inaugurated in 2005), which I run along with my two sons. We have 2000 students from England, Ukraine, Switerland, Indonesia and many other countries.
How does it feel to receive this honour?
It’s a big award from Government of India and it gives an amazing feeling that I cannot describe.