To begin with, I was euphoric after the higher secondary results were declared. I had done pretty well in all subjects but a neat score of 99 per cent in my favourite subject, painting, was the ultimate feather in my cap. Thrilled with the results and with dreams of becoming a world-class painter, I told my father of my plans to join the Delhi College of Art. To my utter dismay, my father washed away my dreams of becoming aVan Gogh or a Picasso with one dismissive flick of the hand, saying, “First do your graduation and only after that you will be allowed to do what you want.” My fate was sealed as he brooked no further entreaties. Stung by the denial, I thought my father to be a villain who had disfigured the painting of my heart's desire. It was much later that I realised how right he was, and even today I am grateful he took that stand.
Thus began my search for admission to a regular college and the right course, which landed me at Lady Shri Ram College for Philosophy (Honours). It was the beginning of a new chapter that completely changed the focus of my life. It was at this juncture that my love for dance blossomed. Though I loved classical dance and music as a child and learnt it as well, I was never confident of making it an integral part of my life. In college, I got involved in various activities related to dance and drama — thanks to two of my professors, who encouraged me to direct and choreograph dance dramas for college functions and that became a turning point.
The Odissi dance bug had bitten me by then, after having witnessed a performance in Delhi by none other than the great Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. My destiny seemed guided by this one moment. With fire and passion for Odissi, I could not contain my desire to learn the art form. I was determined and full of dedication to break barriers of language and region. Before long I was immersed in the love and passion for Odissi, training under Guru Mayadhar Raut. The rest, as you say, is history!
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College by now was fun as I made new friends. Some have lasted over the decades and we keep in touch even today. College is the confluence of the innocent school life, the dare devilry of youth and the underlying seriousness of the future. Several interesting episodes took place during my fun-filled college days. One incident, however, stands out in my memory. Once, the entire class bunked college to catch the latest movie in town. When our professor came to the class the next day, she gently said, “If all of you had decided to bunk the class you could have at least informed me, so that I too could have joined you for the movie.” I can never forget her sense of humour and tact. She could have punished us but she made us understand our mistake without holding a grudge.
Ranjana Gauhar, Odissi exponent, Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University