Banamali Maharana


Banamali Maharana was an Indian percussionist. He was famous for playing Mardala. He was awarded with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2004.

Early life

Maharana was born in Raghurajpur in the Puri district. He had an affinity for music from a young age, but lacked formal training. He was attracted to the Rasalila, performed by Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami and his group.

Career

Maharana began playing Khol and Dholak with Goswami.
His formal training began after he joined the Annapurna Theatre, where he learned percussion from Singhari Shyamsundar Kar and Kshetramohan Kar. His brother, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra accompanied him to most of his dance performances.
Maharana started teaching Mardala at Kala Vikas Kendra in Cuttack and then at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya. He introduced a seven-year course in Mardala music at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya before retiring as the Head of the Mardala department in 1999.
Maharana was the most sought-after Mardal player for Odissi performances in his time. Besides Kelucharana, Banamali accompanied Sanjukta Panigrahi, Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, Sonal Mansingh, Aruna Mohanty, Sujata Mohapatra and others in dance performances, in India and abroad.

Awards