Who is the first classical dancer of foreign origin who was conferred the Padma Shri in 2006 for her contributions to Odissi?

Ileana Citaristi

The correct answer is Option (3) - Ileana Citaristi

Ileana Citaristi, originally from Italy, is a renowned Odissi dancer who has made significant contributions to the art form. She migrated to India and dedicated herself to learning and promoting Odissi dance. Throughout her career, Citaristi has been instrumental in popularizing Odissi both within India and internationally. Her mastery of the dance form, as well as her commitment to its preservation and propagation, led to her being honored with the Padma Shri award in 2006. This prestigious recognition acknowledges her exceptional talent, dedication, and contributions to Odissi dance, making her the first classical dancer of foreign origin to receive this honor in the field of Odissi.