For Manipuri dance exponent and choreographer Sanjib Bhattacharya, dance is a divine blessing rather than a career. The capital city is not unfamiliar with the reputed artist who is a well-known exponent of this flamboyant classical dance form of the North East. Having performed numerous times in the city, the artist did his debut performance at the Mudra National Dance Festival recently.
However, compared to his performances in the home turf, the dancer seems to cherish his experiences collaborating with various dance troupes abroad and this could be the reason which prompted him to learn contemporary choreography as well. His enthusiasm in taking the Manipuri dance across borders becomes evident when he elaborates, “More than just a set of random movements or emotions, dance for me is a form of cultural exchange. My aim is to share my knowledge across the world through the medium of dance.”
So how does he connect with other dance troupes at an international platform? Elaborates Sanjib, “The objective is to find something which both the dance styles have in common- a rhythm perhaps. Then a theme is selected, which then we try to communicate with each other through dance.”
The dancer-choreographer also runs Angahar Dance Academy in Kolkata and Delhi. He is also a visiting guest lecturer at various institutes not just in India, but also abroad. Sanjib also conducts regular workshops in these schools, holding guest lectures as well.
He recalls one such collaboration project, “I had recently collaborated for an Indo-US-African project with a liturgical dance company. The theme was spiritual fire. It was a very memorable performance.”
“Each classical dance forms are special in their own way. Each of them have their beauty and inner strength,” notes the artist.
His enthusiasm becomes evident when he starts talking about the nuances of Manipuri dance. Elaborating further, he says, “All dance forms are a form of Tandav and Lasya. In Manipuri, however, unlike other dance forms, a marked differentiation can be seen in the presentation when it comes to both the genders.” Sanjib feels that art is more appreciated in Kerala. Winding up, he adds, “I have found people here more encouraging and interested in art compared to the North Indian audience.”
Having obtained training in the dance form under the tutelage of Guru Bipin Singh, Darshana Jhaveri, Kalavati Devi, Manjushree Chaki Sircar, the Kolkata-based dancer is now an internationally noted artist cum choreographer, having received many awards including the Singarmoni Award for classical dance, awards from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil among others. Apart from giving solo performances in India and abroad, Sanjib has collaborated with classical and contemporary dance troupes, blending Manipuri with other dance styles.