CHENNAI: For this artiste, dance is a medium of reaching god. Madhulita Mohapatra is one of the leading Odissi exponents in South India. A graded artiste of Doordarshan and the recipient of the BCKA Yuva Kala Pratibha award, the Bengaluru-based dancer is involved in popularising this dance form through her institution, Nrityantar. Her dance ensemble is one of the most sought-after classical dance troupes in Karnataka.
What if god was a man or a woman?
God is beyond a name and form or any gender. We’ve all know of Ardhanareeswara—the half-father, Shiva; and half-mother, Parvati. Both immanent and transcendent, they represent the self-effulgent union of universal contrasts, symbolising harmony and balance of the whole universe and stages of life. This eternal union transcends all gender distinctions, relieving the world from the burdens of evil and sorrow.
What would your first words to god be if he/she appeared in front of you?
Dear god, thank you so much for your greatest mercy on me. I surrender at your feet.
If there were a dare/challenge you would like to give god, what would it be?
I would pray to god to shower his kindest blessings on all, rid the world of pain, suffering, hate, violence and inequity.
If you had the power to grant one gift to God, what would it be?
For me, dance is most precious and I dance for god. It is my offering to him and I connect to god through my dance.
Your most godly encounter?
The Jagannath Temple in Puri.