Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odia playback singer Pranab Patnaik breathed his last on Friday at his residence in Bhubaneswar. He was 88.
His demise marks the end of an era in Odisha’s film and music landscape, as one of the most respected voices in the Odia music industry, with a career spanning more than five decades.
Born on January 20, 1938, Patnaik drew deep inspiration from his father, Lal Mohan Patnaik, a former Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. He received formal training in music under Guru Kunal Adinarayan before launching his professional career. He made his playback singing debut in 1958 with the Odia film Maa and went on to lend his voice to more than 200 Odia films, collaborating with celebrated music directors such as Akshaya Mohanty, Shantanu Mahapatra, Balakrishna Das and Prafulla Kar. He also shared the microphone with renowned national singers including Vani Jairam, Hemlata, Usha Mangeshkar, Bhupinder Singh, S Janaki, P. Susheela, Nirmal Mishra and Haimanti Shukla.
Beyond cinema, Patnaik was widely acclaimed for his work in Odissi, folk, devotional and bhajan music, semi-classical compositions, traditional songs, Hindi geet and ghazals. His long association with All India Radio’s Sugam Sangeet and devotional programmes further cemented his popularity among music lovers across the state.
Known for his wide vocal range and distinctive style, he held the unique distinction of being the only Odia playback singer to win the Odisha State Film Award for Best Playback Singer seven times. He was also honoured with the prestigious Jayadev Puraskar, along with the Balakrishna Das Memorial Award (2023), Gangadhar Rath Memorial Award (2017), Prafulla Kar Award (2011), Big Odia Entertainment Award (2010) and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1997-98), among other recognitions.
Some of his most enduring songs include “Mun Keun Sahare,” “Tuma Gaon Mahumachhi,” “Chala Ame Palaijiba Sahar,” “Prema Tini Jati” and “Smruti Tor Phere.” These tracks, remembered for their emotional depth and unique musical expression, helped shape the evolution and popularity of Odia film music over the decades.
Mourning his death, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi posted on X: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of the legendary singer Pranab Patnaik, who mesmerised Odisha with his timeless voice. Honoured with numerous accolades including the Jayadev Award, the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Odisha State Film Award, the demise of this peerless music maestro has created an irreparable void in the world of Odia art and culture.”
“The melody of his sweet voice and his timeless music will remain immortal in the heart of every Odia forever. During this sorrowful time, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and his countless fans, while praying to Lord Shree Jagannath for the eternal peace of the departed soul.”