Himanshu Guru
A music video, launched on Utkal Diwas, April 1, exhorts Oriyas to highlight the glorious cultural heritage of the state and to be proud of their politico-linguistic identity
Orissa was formed April 1, 1936, on the pillar of its integral linguistic identity. Spearheaded by Madhubabu, the language movement succeeded with the origin of the state. However, the Oriya language is yet to gain wider acceptability and acclaim. It is heartening indeed that a group of likeminded musicians have launched an offbeat music video to convey the limited reach and popularity of the Oriya language and to showcase the rich culture, heritage and history of the state. Sunday Post chatted with the singer, lyricist, composer and crew members of the album to delve deep into the special music of the video released April 1.
“The song urges us to be proud about our identity. It appeals to the youths of Orissa not to beg and plead with outstretched hands. Rather they should draw strength from the state’s rich history. The track also depicts the great achievements and contributions of Oriya stalwarts such as Kharavela, Langual Narasimha Dev, Fakir Mohan Senapati and Madhubabu. Our culture, history and heritage are our wealth. We live in the land of abundance called Orissa. So, raise your hands in unison and exclaim with pride – Jai Jagannath, Jai Orissa, Jai Utkala Janani,” said Susmita Dash, who lent voice to the song. She is a renowned singer who excels mostly in non-filmy numbers belonging to different genres including romantic and philosophical.
Bibhuti Bhusan Gadnayak, who has composed the music, said, “The composition is not new. It is an ancient tune frequently played when accompanied with a Khanjanai, a typical Oriya percussion instrument. However, I have rearranged the instrumental parts without hampering the originality of the tune.”
“Most of the instruments used in this song are acoustic. It includes Khanjanai, cymbals, dhudki, Jodi nagra, Hawaiian guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bass guitar. Khanjanai, dhudki and nagra are some of the typical instruments of the state. The lyrics narrate that the state is rich with many elements. Obviously, music is one of the cultural elements. In the song we have used an ancient Oriya tune as well as some typical instruments. We have also used a new instrument called ukulele. It has been used for the first time in the state,” he added.
Rudra Prasad Mohapatra of ADPIX and Rajesh Ranjan of Footsteps have directed the video. Asked about the shoot, Rudra said: “We have used three High Definition (HD) cameras in the song. It was a night shoot at Jaydev Vatika. Since the song is all about showcasing the richness of local culture, starting from the costumes to the instruments and props, everything was arranged to provide a folk as well as typical Oriya essence.”
After working for different channels as producer, Rudra has lately founded his own production house. He intimated that the video was his first assignment along with Rajesh.
“The song has been written keeping in mind the meter of a famous Oriya sonnet, ‘Bada mayabi jiba nuhen kahari’. Accordingly, the ancient tune has been executed. The lyric urges Oriyas not to beg before others since we have all the rich elements with us. The second sentence is an Oriya proverb, ‘Nije namale kiba mile Shree Hari’ which means once someone dies and his soul travels to heaven, then only he gets to witness the Lord there,” said Bhardwaj Panda, lyricist of the track.
“The lyrics elaborately depict Orissa. A couple of places of the state find mention even in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, mentioned in the lyric. I have also tried to focus on the stalwarts of the state. The song talks about Kharavela, the best known king from the Mahameghabanana dynasty, who ruled Kalinga (present Orissa). It also narrates the story of Languala Narasingha Dev who built the famous Sun temple at Konark. It also tells about the invasion of the Mughuls, Marathas and Britishers. All of them exploited the state. However, people like Madhubabu fought to provide a separate status to the region. Fakir Mohan Senapati created some unforgettable Oriya literature. We shouldn’t forget the contribution of these people,” the lyricist said.
“The last stanza depicts the scenario after the foundation of the state. Everybody is happy. The state was formed on a linguistic basis but what have we have done so far? We still see difference of opinions. 21st century youngsters speak a mixed language. The point is why should we not try to speak pure Oriya? So, it is an appeal to the Oriya people. Utkal Diwas is the best occasion to raise this appeal,” Panda said. The lyricist has written the screenplay and dialogues of a couple of hit Oriya films.
The song
Aau nakara kaha aage guhari, nije namale kiba mile ShreeHari.
Ramayani bola kuha mahabharate, kharavela chakrabarty kalinga Rathe,
Langula Narasingha Surya Mandir Kale, Ananta jasobanta gyana charama dele,
Emiti gyanathai sunya kahinki hele, Nischaya kara bujhi bichari.
Moghul Maratha engrej asile, Maa deha mana sie khandia kale,
Ladhile Madhubabu desha ekathi kale, Fakir Senapati nua sahitya dele,
Dasiapane sada lokanka sange thile, Na jaa tanku tame pashori.
Maanku paina odiaae nachile, Odisha divas khushi khusi paile,
Bhasakunei rajya gardhita aame thile, bhasara parinati kana karidele,
Jatana kete kari milichhi Maa hele, manataa milena kahari.
Aau nakara kaha aage guhari.
