Debabrata Pal

Debabrata Pal (born February 15, 1994) is a renowned Visual Storyteller, Canvas Dancer, CMF Designer, theater actor, and Odissi Dancer hailing from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. He is recognized as one of the 50 Top Young Artistes of India and has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to the arts.

Debabrata Pal
Debabrata Pal
Born	February 15, 1994 Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Visual Storyteller, Canvas Dancer, CMF Designer, Theater Actor, Odissi Dancer
Known for	Innovative approach to combining dance and painting
Notable works	Live interpretations of performances, collaborations with renowned artists

Early Life and Education

Debabrata Pal was born on February 15, 1994, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to Gagan Bihari Pal and Anupama Pal. He pursued his education in Product Design, earning a Master's degree in the field. Pal has performed internationally on numerous occasions, collaborating with recognized Indian Classical Musicians and Dancers. He has shared the stage with esteemed artists such as Padma Vibhushan Guru Sonal Mansingh-ji, Padma Vibhushan Guru Birju Maharaj-ji, Padmashree Smt. Hema Malini-ji, Padmashree Guru Ileana Chirtist-ji, Padmashree Dr. Pt. Puru Dadheech-ji, Guru Sujata Mohapatra-ji, Sandip Soparrkar-ji, Sunita Bhuyan-ji, Padmashree Kailash Kher-ji, and many others. 

He was attracted towards painting and designing since childhood. "My mother was my first teacher. She is a brilliant painter and used to make jhoti chita (rangoli) during pujas and other social events. I learnt the art of making rangolis from her and later started using rice paste to make them (more attractive). Besides, my mother also loves wearing handloom sarees. So, I got exposed to colours at an early age. It was my mother who inspired me to become a fashion designer and painter," says Debabrata, who is based out of Mumbai.

Career

Debabrata Pal's career spans across various art forms, including visual storytelling, canvas dancing, CMF Designing, and theater acting. He is noted for his unique ability to combine dance and painting, often creating mesmerizing live interpretations of performances and styles by collaborating with musicians, dancers, and other artists. His distinctive style involves simultaneously dancing and painting with his feet, a technique he refers to as "dance while paint through foot."

With president of India Draupadi muru ji at Rastrapati bhavan

Debabrata Pal with president of India Draupadi Muru ji at Rastrapati bhavan

Apart from his performances, Pal has also shared his insights into "Fine art in Natyasastra" at various universities and institutions across India, USA, London, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Awards and Recognition

• Sardar Patel National Award (2024)
• National Icon Award (2024)
• Honored by WICCI and England Art Council for his unique style of work in London (2023)
• Maharashtra Gaurav Sanman (2023)
• Honored by ICCR Malaysia (2023)
• Rastriya Kala Sanman (2022)
• Charakha Smrti China Award for supporting Odisha weavers (2019)
• Youth Icon of Odisha (2019)
• Nominee for Tilak Sanman (2018)
• Two-time Gold Medalist (2017, 2018)

Personal Life

Debabrata Pal currently resides in Mumbai, Maharashtra, but his roots remain in Odisha. He continues to contribute to the arts scene, both nationally and internationally, with his innovative approaches and collaborations.

Additional Information

• Siblings: Debabrata Pal has a sibling named Soumya Sucharita Pal.
• Gurus in Dance: He learned Odissi dance from Sri Ankur Ballal and K. Jyotirmayee Patnaik, and contemporary dance from Satish Mandhare. His painting mentor was Nilansubala Sasamal.
• Inspirations: Inspired by Padmabibhushan Sonal Mansingh and Sangeet Natak awardee Dr. Sandhya Purecha in Natyasastra.