Music is not just a part of my life, it is also my life, says Saranya Mishra, an immensely talented singer
The word ‘versatile’ is apt for this singer who is a popular face at cultural events and singing reality shows. Performing across the capital city Bhubaneswar, Saranya Mishra has garnered praise and enchanted audiences with her husky and charming voice. Orissa POST caught up with the new singing sensation recently.
An immensely talented singer, Saranya has appeared on many popular TV reality shows like Voice of Odisha (Junior), Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs, Mo Gaon Ra Swara and Dil Hai Hindustani. Born to homemaker Shradhanjali and senior divisional accounts officer Keshab Chandra Mishra, Saranya inherited her singing skills from her mother. “I love music. Music is not just a part of my life, it is my life. Be it a temple function, a cultural event or reality show, I just want to go deep into the music and enjoy it to the fullest while performing. I believe that a singer must enjoy his style of singing to entertain audiences. And singing gives me the most satisfaction.”
Saranya attributes her success to her parents, in particular her mother. “My mother is not a professional singer. But if you listen to her, you feel she must be a trained singer. She is a natural singer. Hearing her humming all the time, I developed a strong urge towards music. I started learning music when I was in Class II. But I never knew when it became an inseparable part of me. Learning music, singing, listening to masters, practicing, and performing have taken up the entire space of my mind and time.”
“Like in any other culturally-inclined Odia family, I was sent to music class,” says Saranya. “I received my first music lessons from a local music teacher Purna Chandra Das when we were residing at Keonjhar. Slowly, I graduated to a more formal training programme at a music institute nearby. When I started learning Hindustani classical under the tutelage of Pandit Chinta Ranjan Pani and live music under Sarada Prasanna Sahu, I discovered my love for music. It was during this time that my real learning in music began.”
A Class XII student of Mother’s Public School, Saranya shares her experience of participating in the singing reality show Dil Hai Hindustani aired on Star Plus. “I got into the top 100 after qualifying in the Kolkata audition. In the Mumbai audition, I sang ‘Aan Milo Sajna’ for which our mentor Anand Sharma and judges Pritam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Badshah praised me a lot,especially my rendition of the classical part. They were also impressed by my rendition of the song ‘Tere Liye’ from the movie Veer Zara. It really feels good when some of the top musical talents of thecountry appreciate your singing skill and recognise your potential.”
The winner of awards like Rajiv Gandhi Prativa Samman, Guru Niranjan Rout award and Lion’s Idol, Saranya says, “I was invited to the place of the state’s most popular lyricist Late Rasaraj Narayan Prasad Singh to render his all-time hits like ‘Kacha Kanthara’ and ‘Prabhu Pada Tale.’ The legendary figure blessed me and wished me a bright future. It was a moment I will cherish forever. Though he passed away a few days back, his words continue to encourage me to do better.”
Saranya wants to go in for the Economics (Hons.) course. “If everything goes as per plan, I would like to become an RBI officer as well as a playback singer. Because I cannot imagine my life without music,” she states.
Offbeat profile
Nickname: Tutul
Favourite food: Baby corn
Favourite place: Home
Inspiration: Parents
Hobbies: Reading mythology books
RASHMI REKHA DAS, OP
