Sidharth Mohanty: A Multifaceted Genius in Creative Expression

Sidharth Mohanty, an alumnus of the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bengaluru, is a renowned multidisciplinary designer, performing artist and academician with over two decades of professional experience. His illustrious career, spanning diverse creative fields such as fashion design, dance, craft development and art education, is a testament to his relentless passion, dedication and pursuit of artistic excellence. Born and raised in Cuttack, Odisha, Sidharth hails from a humble middle-class Odia family deeply rooted in intellectual and creative traditions. His upbringing was enriched by a home environment where art, culture and education were equally valued. This nurturing atmosphere instilled in him a balanced approach towards academics and extracurricular activities, shaping the foundation of his artistic journey.

Sidharth Mohanty

Early Life and Musical Beginnings:

Sidharth’s creative journey began in his formative years, primarily through music. His innate musical talent became evident early on when he actively participated in school singing competitions. Recognizing his potential, his family and teachers encouraged him to pursue formal training in Hindustani classical music. He went on to learn under the esteemed guidance of Shri Saroj Kumar Parida in Cuttack, who played a pivotal role in shaping his musical foundation. Under his guru’s mentorship, Sidharth’s musical skills flourished, allowing him to perform on various stages, music shows and cultural platforms. These experiences not only built his confidence but also gave him a deeper appreciation of performance arts, which would later influence his multidisciplinary career.

A Multifaceted School Life:

Music was only one aspect of Sidharth’s diverse creative explorations during his school years. He was an exceptionally active student who participated in a wide array of extracurricular activities, including dance, drama, elocution, public speaking, art and craft. His involvement in school house activities made him a prominent figure in his institution, balancing academics with a rich co-curricular life. Despite his extensive participation in creative pursuits, Sidharth never lost sight of his academic responsibilities. His consistent dedication led him to excel in his studies and he achieved the remarkable feat of topping his school in the CBSE Class 10 board examinations in 1999. This academic excellence, paired with his artistic inclination, laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

The Transition from Science to Design:

After completing his 12th grade with a Science background, Sidharth faced a critical career decision. Though academically capable of pursuing conventional career paths like engineering or medicine, his heart was drawn toward creative expression. With the support of his family and a desire to explore his artistic abilities further, he decided to pursue a career in fashion design field where art meets functionality. In 2002, he successfully cleared the highly competitive entrance examination for NIFT, Bengaluru, one of India’s premier fashion design institutions. This marked the beginning of his formal education in design, a field that would become central to his professional identity.

Professional Journey in Fashion Design

Upon graduating as a fashion designer from NIFT, Sidharth began his professional journey in the bustling design industry of Delhi. For over five years, he worked with some of the most reputed export houses

and clothing brands, gaining hands-on experience in garment design, textile innovation and brand collaboration. His work during this period allowed him to develop a profound understanding of the fashion industry’s nuances, from design conceptualization to market execution. Simultaneously, he expanded his involvement in the craft sector, collaborating with institutions like the National Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD) and the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles. His work with crafts extended to various indigenous art forms such as tie and dye, bell metal, terracotta and bamboo crafts across regions like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Manipur. This exposure to both contemporary fashion and traditional craft forms sparked Sidharth’s long- standing interest in creating a dialogue between heritage crafts and modern design, a philosophy that continues to shape his work today.

Foray into Dance and Performing Arts:

While establishing himself as a fashion designer, Sidharth felt the urge to further explore his creative capabilities beyond textiles and design. His artistic curiosity led him to dance—a field where physical movement becomes a powerful storytelling medium. He joined Ashley Lobo’s Danceworx Academy in Delhi, where he trained rigorously in Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary dance forms. With relentless practice and dedication, he evolved from a student to a company member, choreographer, and instructor within the academy. His dance career saw him perform and teach extensively, further diversifying his creative expression.

Return to Odisha: A New Chapter:

In 2010, after achieving significant success in Delhi, Sidharth felt a deep calling to return to his roots and contribute to the creative landscape of his homeland, Odisha. His return marked the beginning of his second innings as a designer, dancer and performing artist, this time with a focus on serving his community. Upon his return, Sidharth embraced multiple roles that allowed him to share his expertise with the next generation of artists and designers. He became a respected design faculty and academician, teaching at premier institutions like NIFT, KIIT, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, INIFD and NIFD. Additionally, he mentored design students from NID Jorhat and FDDI Ankleshwar, Gujarat, playing a key role in shaping young creative minds.

Contribution to Craft Development in Odisha:

Deeply committed to the preservation and promotion of Odisha’s rich craft heritage, Sidharth has worked extensively with NGOs and state government organizations. His efforts have focused on the development of indigenous crafts and textiles such as Ikat, Kotpad, Silver Filigree and Sabai Grass.

His work extends beyond mentoring artisans;

He has also taken up curatorial roles to promote Odisha’s artistic identity. Most notably, he played a key role in the design and curation of the Saptasajya Festival, a cultural platform dedicated to showcasing the region’s craft traditions through innovative presentations and exhibitions. Through design interventions, skill development workshops and market linkage strategies, he has empowered local artisans, enabling them to sustain their craft practices while reaching wider markets.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Artistrē and Sattire:

Sidharth’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish two fashion brands Artistrē and Sattire both of which focus on promoting indigenous crafts and textiles through contemporary fashion. These brands emphasize sustainability, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, bridging the gap between traditional artisanship and modern aesthetics.

Awards and Recognition:

In 2024, Sidharth’s contributions to the creative industry were honored with the prestigious Odisha Ratna Samman Award by the All Odisha Designers Association (ODA). Additionally, he has been recognized for his excellence in design education with the Best Faculty Award from both NIFD and INIFD, further solidifying his impact as a mentor and creative leader.

Vision for the Future:

Sidharth Mohanty continues to explore the intersection where art, craft, textile and fashion converge, seeking to create organic amalgamations where the human body becomes the ultimate canvas of expression. His journey serves as a profound reminder that creativity knows no boundaries when passion, perseverance and purpose align.

Collaborations and Artistic Endeavors:

As a multidisciplinary artist, Sidharth has collaborated with several eminent artists from Odisha, including Jagannath Panda and Masako Ono. His creative works have been showcased at prestigious events like the Odisha Biennale and the Bhubaneswar Art Trail (BAT), where he seamlessly merged dance, fashion and craft into powerful artistic narratives. Most recently, he showcased Odisha textiles at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a global platform celebrating Indian heritage, in collaboration with the renowned Odissi dancer Guru Aruna Mohanty. This collaboration beautifully combined the elegance of Odisha’s handwoven textiles with the grace of classical dance, presenting a powerful statement of cultural identity.