Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Sunday paid tributes to Akshaya Mohanty, legendary music director and playwright, on his 91st birth anniversary.
Akshaya Mohanty, more popularly known as Khoka Bhai, was born on October 12, 1937, at Banki Mundei village in Kendrapada district.
Here are some interesting facts about the legend, whose home-grown style of embodying Cuttack’s playfulness distinguished him from his competitors:
1. He was a singer, as well as, music composer, story writer, novelist, and travel writer.
2. Though Akshaya had a keen interest in singing from his childhood, he underwent no professional training. He sang for the first time as a child artiste on the foundation day of Akashvani in 1948.
3. He completed his ISC from Stewart Science College and BA from the erstwhile Ravenshaw College. He also studied law from Madhusudan Law College in Cuttack.
4. He joined Akashvani, Cuttack, at the age of 22 years. After a seven-year stint there, he pursued a career as a full-time singer.
5. Akshaya is regarded as the father of Odia modern music. He composed music, based on folk traditions. His first song in Odia cinema was Gaiala Bhai Dharichi Suna.
6. He lent his voice in 129 films. Mana Jaa Ra, Jajabara, Bayasa Ra Krushnachuda Ranga Tuma Manda Nuhein, Jaa Re Bhasi Jaa, Alo Hundi Paisake Pana Khandi, and Punya Ra Nadi Tire Geeta are some his popular songs. His famous compositions include Keṇe Gheṇi Jauchha Jagannathanku, Smruti Tume and Bayasara Krushnachuda among others.
7. He has written more than 18 books. He also has three ballads to his credit — Kanchi Abhijaan, Randi Pua Ananta, and Konaraka Gatha.
8. He married Prabina Mohanty in 1967 and they became parents to two sons and as many daughters.
9. He was conferred with the Jayadev Award and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He also won the State Award for Best Playback Singer seven times and the State Award for Best Composer twice.
10. Akshaya Mohanty also converted Fakir Mohan’s ‘Patent Medicine’, a humorous short story into a play. It won the best radio drama award.