Known for her distinctive style of singing, Lopamudra Dash has a series of soulful songs to her credit. But Aa Premara Maza Nabaa, a song from the upcoming movie Prem Kumar, has affirmed her status as a songster who is here to stay. No wonder, she is considered by experts to be one of the contenders for the most popular female playback singer of the state.
Daughter of Snehalata and Arun Dash, Lopamudra completed her graduation from Bramhabarada College, Jajpur. About her interest in music, she said, “I was born and brought up in a family where most of the members are connected with the art and culture of the state. My father is a tabla player who was once a regular performer at All India Radio, Cuttack. My aunt, popular Odia singer Jyoti Tripathy, is my inspiration. When I was a child, she used to rehearse her songs while I was in her lap. So, from my childhood days, I was inclined to singing. She taught me the basics of singing and that laid a strong foundation for me to be a professional playback singer.”
Lopamudra is adept at classical and light music. Her musical journey in the Odia film industry began with the movie Shiva-Not Out in which she rendered a duet Tu mora jeen bara gotie karana with popular singer Humane Sagar. There was no looking back after that. Till now, she has lent her voice for other popular songs like Tate Mu Jhuruchi in the film Abhaya, Nathila Tate Janaa and Emiti Pabana Ta in Ole Ole Dil Bole which are also duets with famous Bollywood singer Udit Narayan. Lopamudra’s albums are also topping the charts in the state. Her latest song Aa Premara Maza Nabaa is a big hit among the youth. A dance number choreographed on this song has only added to its popularity.
About her experience in playback singing, Lopamudra Dash said, “I have performed stage shows on several occasions, but playback singing has its own charm. Usually I prefer singing light classical songs. The first film song offered to me was not easy as the notes of the song were very high-pitched. Premananda Sir, who gave me a break in his film, assured me that the song was not at all difficult. He said, reassuringly, ‘You are a good singer, just give your best, it will be a big hit.’ I followed his suggestion and the result is there for everyone to see. It became an instant hit on YouTube.”
Lopamudra Dash took classical music lessons from Guru Pradip Patra for five years. She continued her training under the tutelage of Anurag Patra. When asked how she feels working with popular male singers, she said, “I am still new in this industry. Every day I learn something new about singing. I have grown in confidence as a playback singer after working with these noted singers.”
An ardent fan of top singer Lata Mangeshkar, Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam of Bollywood, Lopamudra Dash is often appreciated for her charming looks. Asked if she was interested in acting, she said, “I got a few acting offers, but I want to focus on singing rather than acting. I want to hone my skills in music and will be happy to be remembered as a good singer.”
The young singer did not want to divulge details about her upcoming projects. However, she said, “There are a few more songs to be released before the end of this year. These days, I am focusing on classical songs. My fans have received my songs really well in the past, and I hope my upcoming songs will also get a similar response from them.”
SOYONG, OP
