Legendary Odissi Dancer Mayadhar Raut Passes Away at 92

Renowned Odissi maestro Mayadhar Raut, often referred to as the “Father of Odissi dance,” passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 92 in his Delhi home. His family confirmed that he died peacefully due to old age. A Padma Shri awardee, Raut was instrumental in the revival and codification of Odissi dance in the 1950s. His contributions, including the introduction of Sanchari Bhava, Mudra Viniyoga, and Rasa Theory, helped shape Odissi into a structured classical dance form.

Key Contributions and Life Achievements of Mayadhar Raut

Early Life & Training

• Born on July 6, 1933, in Odisha.
• Began training in Gotipua, a precursor to Odissi, at age 7.
• Became the first to perform Gotipua on stage in 1944.

Revival of Odissi Dance

• Played a pivotal role in restructuring Odissi based on Shastra (scriptural) principles.
• Co-founded Kala Vikas Kendra (1952) in Cuttack, India’s first institute to teach Odissi.
• Founded Jayantika Association (1959) to establish a structured framework for Odissi.
• Introduced Sanchari Bhava, Mudra Viniyoga, and Rasa Theory to Odissi.
• First guru to choreograph Gitagovinda Ashtapadis with Shringara Rasa.

Notable Positions & Choreographies

• Headed the Odissi department at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (1970-1995).
• Choreographed Gitagovinda, which inaugurated Kamani Auditorium, Delhi, in 1971.
• Trained renowned Odissi dancers like Ramani Ranjan Jena, Aloka Panikar, and Geeta Mahalik.

Major Awards & Recognitions

• Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977)
• Sahitya Kala Parishad Award (1984)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1985)
• Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award (2003)
• Upendra Bhanja Samman (2005)
• Tagore Akademi Ratna (2011)
• Conferred the Padma Shri for his immense contributions to Odissi dance.

Personal Life & Passing

• Survived by his daughter, Odissi dancer Madhumita Raut, and sons Manoj Raut and Manmath Raut.
• His wife Mamta Raut passed away in 2017.
• Passed away on February 22, 2025, at his Delhi home due to old age.
• Last rites held at Lodhi Road crematorium.