Seraikela Chhau Mask Maker Sushanta Mahapatra Wins Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

Seraikela: Master Chhau mask maker Sushanta Mahapatra will be honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. The announcement was made by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India. The news has triggered a wave of joy among Chhau artists, who congratulated him and hailed it as a massive achievement for the Chhau art form.

Upon being nominated for this prestigious award, Guru Sushanta Mahapatra became quite emotional. He expressed that, though it came late, the Government of India has finally recognized and honoured his lifelong dedication to the art. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Central Government. The 79-year-old Chhau guru stated that he will continue to work for Chhau dance for the rest of his life. Mahapatra is renowned both nationally and internationally as an exceptional mask artist. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is conferred by the President of India.

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Art

Sushanta Mahapatra inherited the art of making Chhau masks as a family legacy. He began learning the craft from his elder paternal uncle at the tender age of eight. While preserving traditional techniques, he has been actively working to pass this art form down to the younger generation.

Giving Seraikela Style Chhau a Distinct Identity Through Masks

The Mahapatra family has been associated with the art of Chhau mask-making for generations. In 1925, Prasanna Kumar Mahapatra designed the first modern mask for the Seraikela style of Chhau, which gave this dance form a distinct identity.

Exhibitions of the Chhau masks crafted by Sushanta have been held in various cities across India, as well as internationally in countries like the USA, Germany (Berlin), and Austria (Vienna).

Key Achievements:

• 2022: Honoured with the ‘Guru Brahma Award’ at the international dance festival “Apsara-2022” held in Puri, Odisha.
• He has also been honoured with numerous other prestigious awards throughout his career.