Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi
Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi (10 August 1932 – 25 August 2013) was a renowned Indian classical singer and music director, celebrated for his rendition of the Gita Govinda. Despite a flourishing career in film music in Chennai, he choose to support his wife, Sanjukta Panigrahi, a legendary Odissi performer and composer. His dedication extended to promoting and popularizing the works of Jayadeva and the cult of Lord Jagannatha.
From the 1970s until the 1990s, the duo of Sanjukta and Raghunath performed extensively, captivating audiences with their artistry. After Sanjukta’s passing in 1997, Raghunath continued his association with Nrityagram, contributing music to many of their productions. In 1999, he established the ‘Sanjukta Panigrahi Memorial Trust’ to advance the cause of Odissi dance. Since 2001, the trust has annually awarded scholarships to budding dancers and recognized excellence in Odissi on Sanjukta’s birth anniversary.
Raghunath Panigrahi Personal Life
Raghunath Panigrahi was born on 10 August 1932 in Gunupur, Koraput, Odisha. He met his future wife, dancer Padma Shri Sanjukta Panigrahi, at Kalakshetra Dance School. They married in 1960 and had two sons. Raghunath Panigrahi passed away on 25 August 2013 in Bhubaneswar at the age of 82.
Raghunath Panigrahi Filmography:
Ahalya (1998) Odia Film (Music Director)
Mukti (1977) Odia Film (Playback Singer)
Sindura Bindu (1976) Odia Film (Playback Singer)
Kaa (1966) Odia Film (Playback Singer)
Abhinetri (1965) Odia Film (Choreographer)
Nabajanma (1965) Odia Film (Playback Singer)
Shri Shri Patitapaban (1962) Odia Film (Playback Singer)
Jayabheri (1959) Telugu Film (Actor)
Ilavelpu (1956) Telugu Film (Playback Singer)
Raghunath Panigrahi Awards:
Title of Sur Mani – 1968
He received an award from the Government of France in the 1970s
Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – 1976
State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – 1993
Padma Shri – 2010
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
Jayadeva Samman – 2008
Lifetime Achievement Award of Banichitra Awards – 2008
Degree, Doctor of Literature, Ravenshaw University, Odisha – 2013
Degree, Doctor of Literature, Utkal University, Odisha – 2011
Degree, Doctor of Literature, Berhampur University, Odisha – 2010
