The Inspiring Story of Mokshada Tripathy: Odissi, Cinema & Beyond

When we look at the journey of Mokshada Tripathy, it feels almost surreal. What began as the innocent curiosity of a seven-year-old girl has today become a powerful story of discipline, passion, and balance—a journey that intertwines the grace of Odissi, the depth of academics, and the expressive world of acting.

Her very first steps into the classical art form of Odissi were guided by Guru Raghunath Dutta, who instilled not only technique but also discipline, humility, and the spiritual essence of the dance. Later, under the mentorship of Guru Jyotshna Rani Sahoo and Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda, Mokshada refined her craft and discovered a greater truth: Odissi was not just performance—it was prayer, storytelling, and a cultural identity.

The stage soon became her canvas. The first time she performed, Mokshada realized she wasn’t simply dancing for herself but representing her culture, her state, and her country. From local stages to international platforms in Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, she saw how Odissi transcended language barriers, touching audiences with its raw emotion and elegance. “Art truly has no boundaries,” she reflects, “and that realization gave me the determination to spread Odissi everywhere I go.”

But behind the applause lay a story of constant balance and sacrifice. One of her earliest challenges came during her Class 10 board exams, when she was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform a duet with Guruji Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda. It meant long days of rehearsals followed by late-night studies. Exhausting as it was, it taught her the discipline of managing two worlds without letting go of either.

The pattern continued into her college years. While pursuing her graduation, Mokshada debuted in her short film Bapa, which released on MX Player and Tarang+. Between shoots, stage rehearsals, academic classes, and exams, her schedule often left little room for rest. Yet, the passion kept her going. Opportunities poured in—collaborations, performances, new projects—but so did the pressure of maintaining balance. “There were days when I felt overwhelmed, even guilty, wondering if I was giving enough to each role,” she admits.

Her challenges didn’t end there. After Bapa, Mokshada was eager to dive deeper into cinema but often found her packed dance and academic commitments left little space to plan the next steps. Instead of frustration, she chose patience. “By God’s grace, everything I worked on turned out to be successful—even in Ollywood. That gave me the confidence that I don’t need to rush. I just need to give my honest efforts to whatever I take up.”

And her efforts have borne fruit. Today, Mokshada holds dual Master’s degrees—one in Sociology and another in Odissi. She is also training as an HRM Manager with a Bangalore-based company, expanding her professional horizons. Recognized as a “B” grade artist in Doordarshan and serving as an Assistant Teacher at Tridhara, she feels equally fulfilled in passing her knowledge to the next generation. Teaching, for her, is not just about technique—it is about preserving tradition through her students.

Among her many achievements, five milestones shine the brightest: performing a duet with her Guruji during her Class 10 boards, being graded as a Doordarshan artist, debuting with Bapa, earning scholarships in academics, and teaching at Tridhara. Each one is a reminder that her struggles were never in vain—they were stepping stones.

Looking ahead, Mokshada’s vision is clear: she refuses to confine herself to just one path. “Dance is my soul, acting is my passion, and academics give me knowledge and strength. Each completes me in a different way. I don’t want to lose one dream for another—I want to carry them all together.”

It won’t be easy, she acknowledges. It means more sacrifices, more sleepless nights, and more discipline. But with faith and determination, Mokshada believes nothing is impossible. She hopes her journey inspires others to understand that balance is achievable, and that it is possible to shine in more than one direction as long as the heart remains honest.