Bhubaneswar: Akshaya Mohanty, more popularly known as Khoka Bhai, was a legendary Odia singer and one of the revered giants of Ollywood music.
Khoka Bhai’s evergreen songs have swayed generations of listeners right to the present day.
On his death anniversary, Odisha Bytes pays tribute to the late maestro by bringing to you some interesting facts about him.
Khoka Bhai, who was born on October 12, 1937 at Banki Mundei village in Kendrapara distrcit, had a keen interest in singing from his childhood.
He had completed his ISC from Stewart Science College and BA from Ravenshaw University. He had also studied law at Madhusudan Law College in Cuttack.
He started working at the age of 22 in Akashvani, Cuttack. But after seven years, he left Akashvani and started his career as a fulltime singer.
He did’t have any professional training in singing.
He was a singer, as well as, music composer, story writer, novelist, and travel writer.
He is regarded as the father of Odia modern music.
He has composed music, based on folk tales.
On the foundation day of Akashvani in 1948, he had sung for the first time as a child artiste.
He was the playback singer in 129 films in his lifetime.
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 first song in Odia cinema was ‘Gaiala Bhai Dharichi Suna’.
He has written more than 18 books.
He married Prabina Mohanty in 1967. He has two sons and two daughters.
He had received Jayadeba award.He had also received seven state awards as a playback singer. He had also received Odisha Cine Critic award many times.
He was also felicitated with ‘Maranottara Utkal Gourab Sammana’.
