Prasar Bharati Archives released two CDs - one
containing the epic entitled Baidehisha Bilasa by one of the greatest
poet of Odisha, Upendra Bhanja and another containing 35 popular Akashvani
songs rendered by the renowned versatile singer, writer and composer, Late
Akshaya Mohanty. Both these artists contributed significantly to Odia Culture –
one revived its literature by enriching its repertoire and the other chronicled
the emergence of modern Odisha.
Born to a royal family, Upendra Bhanja
however remained distant from the usual accoutrements of his kingdom. Instead
he penned down epics to take Odia literature to new heights – Braja Leela,
Subhadra Parinaya, Labanyabati, Koti Brahmanda Sundari and of course
the great epic Baidehisa Bilasa, his magnum opus. The epic in 52
cantos is an elegant portrayal of Lord Rama in the Tretaya Yuga.
Akshaya Mohanty's popular songs
rendered at Akashvani Cuttack over four decades are being released in a digital
format and this rare CD includes 35 of his immortal songs that have entertained
and swayed many generations. The CD’s title PUNYARA NADI TIRE (On the River
Bank of Virtue) is taken from Akshaya Mohanty’s song immortalized in his own
inimitable way:
On
the river bank of virtue
There
stood a tree of vice
On
the branches of which
Nested
a bird.
Could
you name it please?
Akshaya Mohanty's music is a fusion of the traditional
past and scintillating optimism orchestrated by a modern Odisha beginning to
open up which gave birth to immortal ballads of enduring greatness. He infused
into his brand of music a new rhythm – unheard of then – so as to allow a
vibrating generation to be borne in along with him. He was associated with AIR
Cuttack in the early sixties; but his journey began much earlier. He created
music that resonated through Odia life and brought a nuanced and typical
culture to the public eye. He simultaneously made radio music popular by his
riveting lyrics and unique style of singing. Cutting across classes his music
aimed at reviving a culture that was on the threshold of a new era. He also scored
music in 75 films, sang in twice as many films, wrote novels, short stories and
even travelogues. Akshaya Mohanty was truly versatility personified
We pay tribute to two iconic figures
who brought glory to our nation in their own unique way with the release of
these 2 CDs.
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