Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar is an Odissi dancer.

She won the Padma Shree in 2003 and with the Sangeet Natak AkademiAward for the year 2007 by the President of India.

Padmashree and SNA Awardee Smt. Ranjana Gauhar is a world renowned Odissi dancer and her name figures amongst the most distinguished exponents of this art form. She has been applauded for her gaiety, grace and strength that can be seen in her dance presentations. Ranjana ji has received her training from legendary Guru Mayadhur Raut.

Smt.Ranjana Gauhar has participated in several prestigious dance festivals in India and abroad. She has performed in UK at the Queen Elizabeth Royal Festival Hall in 1981 when the first Festival of India took place in England. She has mesmerized the audience by her lyrical and charming performances in several countries such as Italy, France, Greece, Serbia, Cyprus, Kuwait, Switzerland, Tunisia, Yugoslavia, Japan, Holland, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Croatia and Latin American Countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Mexico. In Mexico, Ranjana represented India at the Cerventino Festival.  She has also exposed the beauty of Odissi dance to audiences in Cambodia, Bhutan, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, the continent of Africa, Mauritius, Egypt and Spain.

Ranjana ji is also well known for extensive training in Chhau, Kathak as well as Manipuri. She is a multifaceted artist as she has worked in theatre, films, production, choreography, dance education, painting and has also authored a book titled “Odissi – The Dance Divine”.

Guru Ranjana Gauhar is the artistic director of Utsav’s repertory which is well known for its high standards of excellence and has performed widely in India and Abroad. Ranjana Ji using her creative talent has skillfully blended the traditional with contemporary where she has conceptualized and curated solo presentations that accentuate her knowledge as a diversified choreographer of dance. She has produced various thematic productions such as ‘Chitrangada,’ ‘Kabir’ ‘Matsaya Avatar,’ ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ to name a few and her imagery is both innovative and individualistic which led her to create multi-styled productions such as ‘Thridhara’, ‘Samarpan’ and ‘Nritya Dhara’to name a few.

Smt.Ranjana Gauhar is the Founder – President of ‘Utsav – Educational & Cultural Society’ carrying forth the traditions of Guru-Shishya Parampara where she guides her disciples into the nuances & intricacies of odissi dance and has proven to be an indispensable guide to her disciples.

As an ardent promoter of Indian Art and Culture Ranjana ji organises major festivals such as  ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ ‘Unbound Beats of India,’ ‘Su-Tarang’ to name a few. She has contributed immensely to the arts by not only hosting festivals but by also curating workshops, seminars and lect-demos in the rural areas of the country for underprivileged children.

Padmashree Ranjana Ji is an amalgamation of personage and ingenuity and is a visionary/role model for the younger generation. She is involved in reputed National bodies such as Expert Member for Ministry of Culture, Former Executive board member of SNA, Former Executive board member of Kalashetra Foundation (Chennai) and Former Expert member for Ministry of Defense. and also serves as an Advisor for many Schools & Colleges.

Smt. Ranjana Gauhar was awarded the prestigious Padmashree by the President of India in 2003 and the National Sangeet NatakAkademi Award in 2007. She has also received numerous accolades for her contribution in the field of Indian Classical dance.