How does it feel to have been conferred with the prestigious Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award?
I feel elated. All these years I have been striving to bring my Guru’s (Late Deba Prasad Das) style to prominence and finally God has answered my prayer. This style is being showcased at major cities around the world. This award is recognition not only for me but of the Deba Prasad Gharana as well. How did it feel when you first heard the news? This happened when I was out of station. I was in Mumbai to perform for the Haridas Sangeet Sammelan organized by Kal-Ke-Kalakar, Mumbai. The news was conveyed to me when I was getting ready for the evening performance. I was so overwhelmed, I looked up towards the sky in gratitude that the Lord had finally answered my prayers. Do you think that the award came a bit late, keeping in view your contributions to Odissi that were recognized quite early and you shot into prominence quite early in life? No. A couple of times, even I have heard rumours that I had been nominated for the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. But I don’t believe in rumours
