Founded in 1987, Nrutyayan has been pioneering the global propagation of classical Odissi dance. Explore our rich heritage, direct lineage of legendary masters, and international artist profiles.
Nrutyayan, a premier dance institution in Odisha, was established in 1987. Being the brainchild of Guru Sri Durga Charan Ranbir, this institution was conceptualized for the sole motive of popularizing the Deba Prasad Vani of Odissi dance. Nrutyayan was initially set up at a humble rented accommodation at Acharya Vihar, a locality of Bhubaneswar, with three small kids as the first students.
These three pioneering kids (Sangeeta Dash, Rajashree Chintak, and Ranjita Mallik) were later to become some of the finest exponents of Odissi. Following the footsteps of these three pioneers, students started enrolling themselves at Nrutyayan. Young kids aged 4-5 years were taught the nuances of Odissi and were constantly exposed to the hard, disciplined lifestyle needed to learn it.
Many students came exploring other related art forms like music, percussion, and fine arts. When student enrolment in these fields increased considerably, Nrutyayan started conducting classes simultaneously in these allied art forms. Today, Nrutyayan has become the hub of Odissi in the state capital, with many branches and students spread all over the world.
Nrutyayan boasts of a large number of student fellowships. Students from all over the world are being groomed at this Institute. Many of them have carved a niche for themselves in the field of dance. A large number of students have been awarded scholarships and fellowships for pursuing specialized study in the field and are empanelled artists of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Padma Shri Guru Sri Durga Charan Ranbir is one of India’s most revered Odissi dance maestros, an acclaimed choreographer, teacher, researcher, and cultural ambassador who has dedicated more than four decades to preserving, enriching, and propagating the timeless tradition of Odissi dance. Born on 1 March 1951 in the village of Kamaguru, Khurda, Odisha, Guruji’s passion for dance emerged at a very young age. Despite facing opposition from his family, his unwavering determination led him to pursue formal training at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, where he became the foremost disciple of the legendary Guru Deba Prasad Das. He also received valuable guidance from Adi Guru Pankaj Charan Das and Dr. Minati Mishra, shaping his deep understanding of Odissi’s philosophy, technique, and aesthetics. (Padma Awards) Guru Ranbir is internationally recognized as the foremost torchbearer of the Deba Prasad Gharana, a distinctive style of Odissi known for its powerful rhythmic vocabulary, tribal influences, sculptural elegance, and spiritual depth. Through decades of rigorous teaching, innovative choreography, and extensive performances across India and around the world, he has ensured that this unique tradition continues to flourish for future generations. (Sangeet Natak Akademi) In 1987, he founded Nrutyayan with a vision of creating a true Gurukul dedicated to excellence in Odissi. What began with just a handful of students has grown into one of the world’s most respected Odissi institutions, nurturing thousands of disciples across India and abroad. Under his leadership, Nrutyayan has become a vibrant centre for dance education, research, performances, workshops, and cultural exchange, inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to embrace the rich heritage of Indian classical dance. (Nrutyayan) As a choreographer, Guru Ranbir has created an extensive repertoire of Mangalacharans, Pallavis, Abhinayas, Mokshas, dance dramas, and thematic productions that beautifully blend classical purity with artistic innovation. His productions are celebrated for their scholarly depth, emotional expression, musical excellence, and visual grandeur, earning appreciation from audiences and critics worldwide. (Pracheen Kala Kendra) Guruji’s lifelong dedication has been recognized through numerous prestigious honours, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award, and the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, conferred by the Government of India for his outstanding contribution to the field of Art. (Padma Awards) For Guru Sri Durga Charan Ranbir, Odissi is not merely a dance form—it is a way of life, a spiritual discipline, and a timeless medium for expressing devotion, culture, and humanity. His vision, humility, scholarship, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire generations of dancers across the globe. Through every performance, every choreography, and every disciple he mentors, Guruji carries forward the eternal legacy of Odissi with grace, dedication, and profound reverence.”
Gayatri Ranbir is an accomplished Odissi dancer, choreographer, teacher, and one of the foremost exponents of the Deba Prasad Gharana. As the daughter and senior disciple of Padma Shri Guru Sri Durga Charan Ranbir, she has devoted her life to preserving, promoting, and enriching the rich artistic legacy established through Nrutyayan. Initiated into Odissi at a very young age under the rigorous guidance of her father and Guru, she has undergone decades of intensive training in the traditional Gurukul system. Her performances beautifully combine technical precision, expressive abhinaya, and deep spiritual understanding, making her one of the leading representatives of the Deba Prasad style of Odissi. Gayatri holds a Master’s Degree in English and a Visharad in Odissi Dance. She is also a recipient of the Senior National Scholarship from the Government of India, recognizing her excellence and commitment to Indian classical dance. Throughout her career, she has performed at numerous prestigious national and international dance festivals, earning appreciation from audiences, scholars, and connoisseurs alike. (Nrutyayan) Beyond the stage, Gayatri plays a pivotal role in the artistic and academic development of Nrutyayan. She mentors students across all age groups, conducts workshops and lecture demonstrations, designs training curricula, and actively contributes to the institution’s creative vision. Her choreographic works reflect a harmonious blend of classical authenticity, innovation, and storytelling, ensuring that the timeless traditions of Odissi continue to inspire newer generations. As an accomplished choreographer, she has conceptualized and presented several acclaimed dance productions and ballets under the banner of Nrutyayan, showcasing the beauty and philosophical depth of Odissi while remaining rooted in the traditions of the Deba Prasad Gharana. (The New Indian Express) With unwavering dedication, humility, and artistic excellence, Gayatri Ranbir continues to uphold the vision of her Guru and father, carrying forward the legacy of Nrutyayan with passion and purpose. Through her teaching, performances, and choreography, she inspires dancers from India and around the world to embrace Odissi not merely as a dance form, but as a lifelong journey of discipline, devotion, and cultural expression.
Classical Odissi Exponent