Maguni Charan Kuanr (12 February 1937 – 1 June 2024) was an Indian puppeteer known for promoting rod-puppetry, traditionally known as Kandhei Nach in the state of Odisha. In 2023, Maguni was conferred the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour by the Government of India for promoting and propagating the traditional rod puppet dance form of Odisha.[1] Earlier in 2004, he had been conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.[2][3]
Maguni Charan Kuanr | |
|---|---|
 Kuanr in 2015 | |
| Born | 12 February 1937 |
| Died | 1 June 2024 (aged 87) Keonjhar, Odisha, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Puppeteer |
| Known for | Promoting rod-puppetry (Kandhei Nach) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2023) Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004) |
Early life
editBorn on 2 February 1937 in Keonjhar, Odisha, Shri Maguni Charan Kuanr hailed from a family of traditional puppeteers. He was introduced to the art of Kandhei Nach, which uses rod puppets, by his father, Shri Baishnab Charan Kuanr.[2]
Work
editMaguni Charan Kuanr contributed significantly to recognising Kandhei Nach beyond Odisha. He established his troupe, the 'Utkal Vishwakarma Kalakunja Kandhei Nach', based in Keonjhar. Shri Kuanr participated in camps and workshops organized by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and other institutions to promote his art. His work has been documented by various agencies in India and abroad.[2]
Like many traditional puppeteers, he created his puppets, designed the costumes, and narrated the plays performed.[2] Kuanr's characters and stories ranged from mythology to government schemes to social issues.[4]
Death
editKuanr died in Keonjhar, Odisha on 1 June 2024, at the age of 87.[5]
Awards and honours
edit- Padma Shri
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Kabi Surya Upendra Bhanja Award, the highest award of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi[4]
References
edit- ^ "Puppeteer Maguni Kuanr gets Padma honour". New Indian Express. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d "MAGUNI CHARAN KUANR Akademi Award: Puppetry" (PDF). Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- ^ Minati Singha (2 June 2024). "Rod puppeteer Maguni Kuanr dead". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Pioneer of rod puppetry Maguni Kuanr dies at 88 in Odisha". Times of India. 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ "Eminent Puppeteer Padma Shri Maguni Kuanr Passes Away". All India Radio, Government of India.