Eminent Classical Vocalist Damodar Hota Passes Away In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Eminent classical singer and musician Damodar Hota passed away, here late Saturday night. He was 87.

Hota, who had cardiac problems for the last few years, became critical at night and was rushed to a hospital in the city. But he succumbed on the way, his family sources said.

People from all walks of life, particularly those associated with classical music, have expressed their condolences. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in his message in a tweet said, “I am deeply saddened after learning about the death of eminent Hindustani classical musician, vocalist and Guru, Pandit Damodar Hota. He will always be remembered for his contribution for promoting and research on Uddra Paddhatiya Sangeet. I pray for the immortal soul and express condolences for the bereaved family members.”

Hota is recognised as a Guru in Hindustani as well as Odissi classical singing. He was also a musicologist and composer. His research on Odissi classical music in 1960s was groundbreaking as it revealed the historical roots, distinct ragas, talas, and lakshyanas of the music.

He started learning music from his mother Dandimani Devi and father Gopinath Hota who were vocalists in Odissi music and Mardala as practised in Jagannath Temple of Puri.

He attended the College of Music and Fine Arts at Banaras Hindu University. For his Doctor of Music degree, he was awarded Pandit Mirashi Buwa Puraskar.

He continued training in Odissi under Guru Nrusinghanatha Khuntia. He was the chief disciple of Pandit Balwant Rai Bhatt (Bhav Rang) and Pandit Omkarnath Thakur (Pranav Rang). His compositions bear the pen name ‘Swar Rang’.

He served as principal and senior faculty of Hindustani vocal music at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.