Bhubaneswar: Guru Pankaj Udra Sanskruti Academy has come up with Ghoomar dance cover, showcasing the rich folk dance tradition of Odisha and its scenic beauty.

The Odisha folk dance version of Ghoomar from the controversial movie, 'Padmaavat', has hit the digital platforms on YouTube and Twitter today, coinciding with pan India release of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus.

publive-image Picture Courtesy: Pallavi Das/Facebook

"It was also our way of expressing solidarity with the filmmaker, who has been subjected to unnecessary protests. The film should have been allowed opening and action taken thereafter if anything was found derogatory or against Rajput culture," said academy head and Odissi dancer Pallavi Das.

publive-image Picture Courtesy: Pallavi Das/Facebook

Ghoomar being a folk number, Das decided on Sambalpuri and Chhau while choreographing the piece. "I wanted the world to enjoy the beauty of our folk dance," she said.

She started composing the steps about a month ago with students of the academy. "The video has been shot at beautiful locations with Chilika in the backdrop and the nearby 'Mamu-Bhanaja' hills," said Das, who is the granddaughter of legendary Odissi Guru Pankaj Charan Das.

publive-image Picture Courtesy: Pallavi Das/Facebook

While the boys are in traditional Chhau attire, the girls can be seen wearing Sambalpuri handloom saree in dhoti style. To give them a distinct look, the dancers have been given silver waist belts, a takeaway from Odissi.

publive-image Picture Courtesy: Pallavi Das/Facebook

Das is happy with the reactions to the video on YouTube and Twitter.

In 2017, she had choreographed an Odissi piece on the theme song of Game of Thrones series, which was shot on Mukteswar temple premises, in Bhubaneswar.