Rashmi Rekha Das
Biswajit Mohapatra who aspires to be one of the leading playback vocalists of the Oriya film industry believes talented shines forth in the long run
When Biswajit Mohapatra sang the soulful ‘Kauthu Asilu Janena’ from the Anubhav-starrer ‘Jaga Hata Re Pagha’ little did he know that the song would become a rage among music lovers in the state. It can safely be said that Biswajit made his mark in the Oriya entertainment industry with that song and has a long career ahead of him. In a quick tete-a-tete with Orissa Post, the singer talks about his experiences as an artiste.
Hailing from Bhawanipatna, Biswajit was not sure about making a career in music since 2012. Son of eminent playback singer Jayanti and businessman Sudhanshu Sekhar Mohapatra, Biswajit always wanted to be a journalist. Biswajit who is a bookworm got hooked to music early. The singer says: “When I started learning music from my mother in childhood I was not much involved in the art. After I started learning the guitar, I slowly developed an interest in music. In 2012, my friends asked me to perform at the annual function of our college. I sang Kailash Kher’s all-time hit ‘Saiyaan’. To my utter surprise, the audience gave me a standing ovation and asked me to perform once again. That day I realised that music is an inseparable part of my life. My performance at the Glory Fest in Puri also fetched me kudos. Later, I moved to Bhubaneswar to carve out a niche in the Oriya music industry and pursue my studies. I took admission in Utkal University to pursue post-graduation in mass communication. Meanwhile, I took part in the Voice of Orissa in 2013 emerged a runner-up.”
“I was of the impression that winning the reality show would open up avenues for me in Oriya filmdom. I was wrong. My journey has been like a roller-coaster ride. Of course, every artiste has to go through a period of initial struggle, but at the end of it I have zero complaints. After emerging as the runner-up in that reality show, I expected offers to come my way. When things did not take shape, I joined an organisation as a scribe. But I was not happy at all. I felt suffocated. I was missing music like anything. I felt that was not what I wanted to be in life. So I quit and decided to follow my passion,” says Biswajit.
“My father and my elder brother taught me how to deal with the difficult situations in life,” he continues. “In the meantime, I started performing stage shows elsewhere in the country. One day, renowned music composer Prem Anand sir gave me a break. I remember the day when sir told me to visit his studio for recording a song. He first asked me to listen to a composition and then instructed me to sing the same song in my own style. He liked my voice and sent the audio recording to Oriya superstar Anubhav Mohanty. I sang the song after Anubhav sir gave his nod.”
Biswajit participated in the reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ (2016) and has pleasant experiences to share. “Though I could not proceed very far in the contest, I have memories I cherish. When I sang the track ‘I love you’ from the movie ‘Bodyguard’ in the presence of Ash King, the original singer, he was so impressed that he walked up to me and hugged me tight. I got a chance to sing the track again with him. Other judges Pritam, Sajid-Wajid and Mika Singh too lauded me. Their words still ring in my ears,” says the young vocalist.
About the growing opportunities for budding singers, Biswajit says: “I strongly believe that if one is talented none can stop him for attaining recognition. Today with television emerging as a huge medium of publicity talented artistes, especially singers, are shooting to the limelight.”
Short sketch
Nick name: Kunmun
Favourite food: Anything cooked by mother
Favourite singers: Hariharan, Mohammad Rafi
Ambition: Wants to be a full-time musician and playback singer