I collected coal from rail tracks to feed family of 10
Rangabati (1976-77), one of the most popular recorded Odia songs, has caught the fancy of global music lovers and based on this the Centre conferred Padma Shree on its male singer Jitendra Haripal. Haripal has lent his voice to over 1,000 songs. Of them, Se Sharike Shikhali Ram and Bhalu Galan Patrake Jhumi Jhumi, of the 60s also topped the charts after they were broadcast from Sambalpur centre of All India Radio. Haripal has not since looked back. Despite his celebrity status post Rangabati, he has always led a simple life and continues to live on his ancestral land.
Born in a poor Dalit family at Stationpada September 13, 1947, Haripal was given a doctoral degree in 2015 by Utkal University. He also received state Sangeeta Natak Akademi award in 2001. Besides, he has also served as the president of Samaleswari Loka Sangeeta Parishad, convener of Adikala Gandabaja Maha Sangathan and advisor in Western Odisha Folklore Research Institution.
Although he is popular with many because of his songs, very few are aware of his struggling days. This correspondent had chat with Haripal. Excerpts of his interview.
How did you enter singing?
Our house was surrounded by paddy fields from all sides. Budharaja hill in all its glory and Mahanadi were not far. Such a natural ambience inspired me to get going.
Which is your favourite colour for clothes?
I like to wear light colour shirt with white trousers. However, I have been wearing Sambalpuri kurta and white trousers for over a decade now. I never go to a store to purchase my clothes. Earlier, it was my parents and now my daughter-in-law and grand daughters who pick up clothes for me.
What kind of food do you like most?
I prefer watered rice, dal and plain curry to the stuff served at five-star hotels. I even like Alu Jhol (potato curry) more than mutton curry. My wife includes the item every day in my meal. I stay away from spicy food.
Which vehicle do you prefer to drive?
I have a hobby for riding bikes. Though it is difficult for others to ride a bike at 71, it has never been a problem for me. My family members and well wishers have asked me to not ride bike. I ride a scooty.
Do you believe in God?
There are several paths but there is one Almighty. I believe in Ashutosh Baba but never disrespect other faiths. I am an optimist and prefer to lead life peacefully.
Which quality of your wife do you like most?
I am moved by her tolerance, especially the way she handles and solves the complaints of a husband, parents-in-law, son, daughter and grand kids. I have never seen her losing temper despite our acute poverty.
Do you know cooking?
I had cooked before my marriage. But I like the food cooked by my wife. However, I had to cook for six months after my marriage when my wife said ‘I don’t know cooking’.
What is your favourite perfume?
I never use perfume. However, I like the earthy scent the earth emits after rain. That apart, the aroma spread during cooking of rice and bread also enlivens me.
How do you like to lead the rest of your life?
I have been leading a simple life since my childhood. I was born in a thatched house and want to die in it also. I have never aspired to live in a palatial building. I pray God to keep me in good health till my death.
Some unforgettable moments?
When there is life, there are memories. So, I have a lot of unforgettable moments. I and my wife used to collect coal from rail tracks to support a family of 10 including three sons, as many daughters and my parents. I sing songs when we don’t have food at home. The children use the utensils as musical instruments. There was a time when we used to sleep in empty stomach listening to the melody of music. It is difficult to erase those memories even after getting a Padma Shree.
How do relate to the audience?
I sing keeping the taste of audience in mind as they are God for a singer. I want to share with you a special incident that took place in 1981. I was returning in Bombay Mail after attending a musical programme at Netaji Stadium at Raipur. I stopped at Bhatapada station to have a cup of tea. I suddenly found hundreds of passengers around me. They demanded I sang Rangabati at the station. Some enthusiastic youths even snatched the green flags from the guards to detain the train there. I had to sing Rangabati and a few other numbers standing at the entrance of the bogey. The audience there rained coins on me and one of them even hurt my forehead. The train stopped there for more than 15 minutes and I won’t forget their experience.
PNN
