Cuttack: Eminent singer, lyricist and music composer Swarup Nayak breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Odisha’s Cuttack on Friday. He was 78.
According to sources, Nayak was suffering from throat cancer for last several days. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Born on February 8, 1946, he made foray into Ollywood as a child artist in 1962 with the film ‘Laxmi’. Later he acted in ‘Kaa’ (1965) and ‘Stree’ (1968). After a small break, he started his second innings in the industry with ‘Suna Sansar’ (1977) in which he acted as a villain. He then went on to act in films like ‘Jaga Balia’ and ‘Dora’. ‘Kalinga Putra’, which released in 2008, was his last movie as an actor.
His music journey started in 1984 with the film ‘Hira Nila’ and he went on to compose music for around 40 films and wrote songs for 30 others. Some of his notable film credits include ‘Pua Mora Bhola Shankar’ (1996), ‘Sahara Jaluchi’ (1998), ‘Sundura Nuhein Khela Ghara’ (2002), ‘I Love You’ (2004), ‘Premi No. 1’ (2009), and ‘Swayamsiddha’ (2010), which was his last film as music director.
He also produced music records for puja and other occasions. Some of these records include ‘Le Labina…Tike Pachaku Ana…’, ‘Bata Chhada Asuchi Dasara Pujara Medha’ and ‘Odisha Mo Odisha’ for TV.
According film historian Surya Deo, Nayak composed songs using Odia folklore, Odia proverbs and colloquial language of rural people. “He was a master in using political satire in his songs. After Kalicharan Patnaik and Banchhanidhi Mohanty, Nayak is the person who started the political satire in his music during the 80’s and 90’s,” he said, adding that he broke the dominance of singers from Mumbai and Bollywood by creating a gang of young singers in Odisha.
Mu Tumaku Bhala Paye, Sitalo Aji Jaluchi Jahara Chitalo, Ae Agana Ae Ghara, Chalire Tora Chandini, Chalire Tora Padma Phute, Pana Gua Khaira Guakati are among his popular songs and compositions.
Film director and popular lyricist Sarada Prasanna Nayak and Odisha’s first female director Parbati Ghosh were his siblings.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik said his unique lyrics will remain a special thing in the hearts of people. “He will be remembered for his contribution to the Odia film industry,” he added.
“I had spoken to him when he was undergoing treatment. He was not only a music director but also a lyricist and actor. He introduced several new singers and actors in the industry. His contribution to the film industry is immense,” said music director Premanand.
Nayak will be cremated with state hours on Saturday.
