Kelubabu was born in a painter community near the temple town of Puri. But his destiny was to revive Odissi and help it flourish once again.

As one his disciples, Ileana Citaristi, has noted in her biography of Mohapatra, The Making of a Guru, Kelubabu’s artistic journey was one of continuous dedication and search for excellence. From his teachers he imbibed a passion for Odissi. Dance became his sadhana, teaching his dharma.

BACK | NEXT