Bhubaneswar: On the somber death anniversary of musical legend Akshaya Mohanty, Odisha mourned yet another loss as Human Sagar, a celebrated voice in the Odia music industry, breathed his last at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar last night at the age of 34.
Even as the industry mourns his loss, his fans have turned his last instagram post into a digital memorial for the singer known for his emotional depth and unique singing style. The post dated November 7 captures him singing Bhagya Rekha at a radio session, a track from the 2024 Odia album of the same name. The duet by Sagar and Antara Chakraborty has now acquired a powerful new emotional significance for many as well as a poignant tribute to a remarkable talent lost too soon.
‘Your legacy lives on, legend,’ one user wrote, while others shared memories of how his voice shaped their childhood and teenage years.
The Musical Journey
Born on November 25, 1990 in Titilagarh, Balangir, Sagar, who was pursuing MBBS at VIMSAR-Burla, left studies in the first year itself to pursue music full-time. He had inherited music from his father and grandfather. The breakthrough came in 2012 when he won Season 2 of the Voice of Odisha reality show. He stepped into Ollywood with the title track of Ishq Tu Hi Tu in 2015, composed by Abhijit Majumdar. The song was an instant blockbuster and catapulted him to fame. He followed it up with a string of chart-topping hits like Tate Gaai Dele, Malka Malka, Dheere Dheere Bhala Paigali, Sabu Najara Lage Prema Najara, Sun Zara, Bhabiba Agaru Pakhare Thibi, and Prema Tora Badmaas.
He lent his voice to more than 100 Odia songs, earning widespread admiration and a devoted fanbase. His untimely demise, coinciding with the 23rd death anniversary of musical legend Akshaya Mohanty, has left a profound void in the world of regional music.
Untimely Death
Sagar was admitted to the premier health facility on Friday (November 14) as he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, acute chronic liver failure (ACLF), multi-organ dysfunction syndrome and other complications. He breathed his last at 9.08 pm on Monday.
He was taken to his residence in Cuttack, where noted artistes and fans paid their last respect. At around 4 am, his mortal remains were transported to his native place Titilagarh, where family and friends will bid their final farewell before the burial on Tuesday.
Grief & Gratitude
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condoled his death. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of renowned playback singer Human Sagar. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music and cinema. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family and pray to God for the peace of the departed soul,” he said in a post on X.
In a condolence message, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said Sagar’s “soulful music has touched the hearts of countless listeners”, and his contributions to Odia music will always remain memorable.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP National VP and Kendrapara MP, Baijayant Panda also expressed grief over the untimely death of the popular Odia singer.