An exponent of Odissi Dance and an international classical dancer, Guru Sanchita Bhattacharya, shares her life with the readers of Woman Times…
WT: Tell us something about your struggle in life and getting established as an Odissi dance guru.
SB: The pathway has been very difficult as there had been numerous oppositions from many individuals and my only support was my mother, who belonged to a family of art and culture as my grandfather was a gold medallist from the Royal Art College, London. During the period when I opted for classical dance as a profession, society than did not accept it. But my mother, Chitra Devi, strongly had held my hand standing by my side through my struggle encouraging me to move forward with my dreams. Without her contribution, I could not stand where I am today.
WT: What has inspired you to reach the zenith? When did you decide to take up dance as your profession leaving your lucrative job?
SB: I think encouragement inspires you and more than that if you are discouraged somewhere it acts as a killer instinct that fuels up the power of the will to do something. My mother always said, “Nothing succeeds like success” and this inspired me to carry on. I was into a lucrative job climbing the corporate ladder but it was then when I received an offer letter from a renowned pharmaceutical company for a dignified position it was my mother who helped me in realizing my real dream. I refused the offer, left the corporate world and devoted myself to the Classical dance.
Men and women are complementary and not competitors. Feminism is not just wearing jeans and preaching about it, it is about being upright. I believe in equal opportunity.
WT: How did the love bloom between you and Tarun Bhattacharya?
SB: It was during an event at Kala Mandir that I first met Tarun Babu and the meet was displeasure for both of us as I behaved too rudely with him being late. It was a love at first sight for him, and after toiling hard he managed my number. He tried a lot to convince me through many ways for different concerts which I refused. But gradually we were friends and thus began our journey of togetherness forever.
WT: You have been awarded as ‘Mahari or Devdasi’ by the Jagganath Temple, Puri. Tell us something about it.
SB: There is a committee – Hanuman Jayanti Committee who has conferred me this title. The process of Lord Jagganath’s prayer consists of 36 phases of which dance was one and the dancers were called ‘Maharis’ who was believed to be married to Lord Jagganath. This is the dance of communion of the spirit with the divinity. The Maharis were believed to be the female priestess.
WT: You have achieved a lot in these years, what is according to you, are your achievements?
SB: The love and appreciation all over the world I receive is the biggest achievement for me. Moreover, if awards can define achievement then few of them are – the ‘Cultural Ambassador of India’ by the USA Senate in 2010 for which I felt proud to represent India overseas. A solo performance at the Madison Square Garden in 2005 and a recent performance at Hollywood Fort Theatre are few close to my heart. Shifting from dance to acting was another experience in life; I did a lead role in an indigenous movie, ‘Gamblers Die’, in New York. Rest achievements come through learning and learning is a never-ending process.
Guru Sanchita says, “Your voice and your choice should be your own’. Be upright and honest in life things will follow your way.”
WT: In an event, you said 99% of women still are not free in terms of economy or in the personal sphere. Will you cite your experiences?
SB: In Indore, I was performing and a lady cleaner entrusted to assist me, at the end of the program cried and asked for my ‘dastakhat’ (autography) saying that the ‘Draupadi Vastraharan’ performance was so touchy that she cried. Another experience was at Steiner Theatre in London after my performance a girl came and started to cry embracing my feet. I was stunned by the wide difference in nature and upbringing yet the emotions were so same in both of the ladies. Even later in many concerts, I met women who were top CEOs in corporate expressed their inability to voice out their wishes.
WT: Sex is still a taboo for women but being a human she also has a desire. What is your take on it?
SB: I am not happy about the male expressing their sexual desires by forcing themselves on the unwilling women. They should be punished. This is again violating women’s freedom. Beauty is altogether a different aspect; if one research or studies a bit of Indian mythology the description of the goddess will show that sensuality is normal and nothing can provoke perverts.
WT: What is ‘Feminism’ according to you?
SB: The concept of ‘at par with men’ is not convincing enough to me. Why should men be the benchmark in life? Women will be themselves like the way they want to be and not like anyone else. Men and women are complementary and not competitors. Feminism is not just wearing jeans and preaching about it, it is about being upright. I believe in equal opportunity.
WT: Do you think this generation while practicing classical dance is lacking behind in mythology?
SB: Indian Classical Dance is not just an activity of hands and legs but a strong emoting spirituality. So, I always suggest my students learn mythology and understand the spiritual elements of dance. Indian Classical Dance is performed in layers and one must understand its essence.
WT: Rapid Fire –
Three things you carry in your purse: Credit cards, Perfumes and Hand Sanitizer.
Dance: Breathing
The idol in Music/Dance: There are many idols in my life like Pandit Ravi Sankar Ji, my father and many gurus whom I met during my journey they all have contributed in my life. And also mentioning
WT: Your message to the readers.
SB: To every woman, I say ‘Your voice and your choice should be your own’. Be upright and honest in life things will follow your way.
