Latest news with #Avirup
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Avirup's Canadian debut blends tribute, tradition and touching reunion
Odissi dancer Avirup's Canadian journey was marked by memorable performances, including tributes to Satyajit Ray and Rituparna Sengupta, witnessed by notable actors. He was felicitated for his contributions to classical arts and cross-cultural dialogue. Odissi dancer Avirup's recent journey to Canada was a memorable one, marking his third international stage performance at a major cultural event and his first-ever visit to the country. He opened the festivities with a tribute to legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, performing the timeless song 'Aha Ki Anondo Akashe Batase.' The performance was witnessed by actors Swastika Mukherjee, Paoli, and Parambrata Chatterjee, adding to the evening's charm. The closing ceremony was equally moving, where Avirup presented a soulful Durga Stuti and paid homage to Rituparna Sengupta through her film songs, sung by Riddhi Bandopadhyay. The narration by Reshmi Mitra added an evocative depth, making the segment one of the most appreciated of the evening. Avirup's felicitation at the event was a proud moment, recognizing his contributions to the classical arts and cross-cultural dialogue. "However, beyond the stage, it was a deeply personal experience that left a lasting impression on me — reuniting with my former student, Rishita. Having started learning Odissi from me at just six years old, Rishita is now doing well in Canada. Her heartfelt gesture of taking me to Niagara Falls despite her busy schedule is something I will remember," said Avirup. From celebrating icons of Bengali culture to reconnecting with students and soaking in Canadian beauty, Avirup's trip was a rich blend of performance, nostalgia, and personal joy.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Odissi dancer Avirup celebrates twenty years in dance
Choreographer and Odissi dancer Avirup Sengupta recently marked 20 years of his initiative Prayas with a cultural evening titled Samabartan – A Journey of Rhythm, Resilience and Radiance . Over the past two decades, Avirup has worked at the intersection of dance and social engagement, aiming to make classical dance more accessible and inclusive. Samabartan was presented as a reflection of this journey, highlighting the role of dance in personal and collective expression. The event featured Ritu, Raag O Ras , a new production that explored themes related to the seasons of life, emotion, and melody. The production included performances by around 200 students and 50 children with special needs. Guests from the fields of art and culture, including Rituparna Sengupta , Alakananda Roy, Riddhi Bandyopadhyay, Devlina Kumar, Indrani Dutta , and Richa Sharma, were present at the event. Narrations by Mahua Roy, Ketan Sengupta, and Abhyuday Dugar accompanied the performances, providing context and connecting the audience with the themes of the evening. The music for Ritu, Raag O Ras was composed by Deepabali Datta, whose work provided a unifying structure for the performance. Speaking at the event, Avirup said, 'The participation of children with special needs brings a different perspective to the stage. Their involvement shows that dance can be a medium for inclusion and shared experience.' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dance is my sadhana: Avirup Sengupta
For Avirup Sengupta , dance isn't just performance—it's devotion. The Odissi dancer, choreographer , and founder of his own dance institution calls it 'a Sadhana, a pure emotional connection' that began when he was just seven. Today, it's not only his identity, but a lifeline that saw him through personal grief and helped him find purpose in teaching dance to specially-abled children . How it all began Avirup's earliest brush with dance wasn't on a stage or in a class. 'When I was a child, I used to look after a didi in our neighbourhood who used to dance. Watching her made me curious, and eventually, made me fall in love with it,' he recalls. That spark turned into a flame, and there's been no looking back since. 'Choosing dance as my profession was never a second thought—it was something very close to my heart,' he says. A divine stage in Vrindavan Among the many milestones in his journey, one memory stands out vividly. 'My first visit to Vrindavan with my troupe was truly divine,' he says. 'The positivity, the energy, the power we felt after performing there is something I still struggle to put into words. The atmosphere was steeped in pure devotion.' Sharing the stage with icons Over the years, Avirup has worked with many well-known names in both classical and mainstream performance spaces. 'I've had the privilege to work with Rituparna Sengupta, who has taught me so much and been a major part of my career,' he says. A lifeline in a time of loss In 2012, a personal tragedy shifted Avirup's path. 'When I lost my mother, I was emotionally and mentally broken. That's when I first started working with specially-abled children,' he shares. What began in grief became a source of healing. 'I didn't have any formal training in teaching special children, but their love and blessings carried me through,' he says. 'They've been a part of my life for the last 12 years, and I can't imagine life without them.' Looking ahead Avirup continues to inspire others with his art and empathy. 'This journey has been anything but ordinary,' he says. 'But with every performance, every student, and every challenge, I am reminded why I chose this path—to dance, to heal, and to give back.'
