Megha Das 
In the realm of Odissi dance, few artists have managed to capture the essence of devotion and passion as adeptly as Kumar Bhimsen, an Odissi exponent from Puri Heritage. He is a unique blend of performer, choreographer, scholar, social worker, and journalist. Among the potential young Odissi generation, he stands as a fitting heir to the legacy of the great Padmabibhusan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.
Born into a middle-class family, Kumar’s journey into the world of dance began with a profound desire to stay connected with Lord Jagannath. His artistic exploration started at a young age, where he initially found himself performing in key roles in “Srimandir Katha,” “Shree Gitagovinda,” “Puri Sahi Jata,” “Budha Parampara,” “Odia Ramayan,” and others. However, fate had a different plan for him, and his love for dance gradually emerged as his true calling.
While Bhimsen was gaining popularity as “Akhada Pila” in Puri’s Srimandir Sahi area, he chose to pursue his passion for dance and quickly rose to fame in the dance community. Originally, He was taught at Udra Nrutya Pankaj in Puri by Adi Guru Padmashree Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Lingaraj Behera, and Guru Narayan Pandey.
It was within the hallowed halls of this institution that he discovered the beautiful tradition of performing in front of Lord Jagannath himself, a spiritual experience that would forever shape his artistic journey. Dancing before the divine deity proved to be a life-altering encounter for Kumar Bhimsen. The emotional and devotional aspects of the performances filled his heart with an unyielding desire to serve Lord Jagannath through his art. This divine calling inspired him to take on the role of a dance teacher, passing on the sacred art form to over a hundred students. “The legacy of Odissi dance is not merely a tradition but a profound responsibility to preserve and carry forward” says Kumar Bhimsen.
Kumar Bhimsen’s passion for dancing persevered despite his family’s financial difficulties. To show his love for the art form and to Lord Jagannath, he used to create authentic Odissi outfits out of his mother’s old sarees. His family instilled in him a deep appreciation for the arts and he attributes his achievement to their unending encouragement and the blessings of the Almighty.
One of the most cherished moments in Kumar’s career was receiving recognition from none other than President Dr. Droupadi Murmu. This prestigious acknowledgment solidified his belief that dance transcends gender, with his positive attitude and personality shining through in each captivating performance. Kumar Bhimsen has steadfastly held on to the core essence of Odisha’s dance. Fortunately, the support of the government, in the form of scholarships, has provided a lifeline to sustain the traditional dance form amidst the challenges posed by contemporary trends.
As he continues on his artistic journey, Kumar Bhimsen remains committed to preserving the authenticity of Odissi dance. He expertly melds tradition with innovation, infusing contemporary choreography into his performances. Through this, he aims to inspire future generations to embrace the divine spirit of dance and revere the legacy of Lord Jagannath. When it comes to art and spirituality, Kumar Bhimsen’s life is a model of devotion, reverence, and unyielding dedication. With every graceful performance, he not only pays homage to the divine but also leaves a lasting impact on the world of Odissi dance. His dedication and passion serve as an inspiring reminder of the profound connection one can forge with the divine through the art of dance.
