Ma Donna and Friends

WHEN THEY LEARNT ODISSI, THIS IS NOT what they had in mind. But sisters Shibani, Laboni and Shalini Patnaik of California (seen here with Madonna and child) were thrilled when they were invited to dance with the diva at the MTV Awards night. The teenagers, along with Guru Gangadhar Pradhan of Orissa, even choreographed the piece to Shanti/Ashtangi from Madonna's album, Ray of Light. "We were so honoured," says Shalini, 15, "because she treated us with respect, attention and affection." They deserved it, of course.