Kendrapara: He is an unsung comb musician, who entertains people by creating melodious music with the help of a comb and a wax paper. But, he is yet to get the status of an artiste, despite the fact that he has been keeping the old folk art form of music by creating mellifluous music with comb and paper for the last two and a half decades.
Meet 55-year-old Ganesh Chandra Rout, a resident of Badamanitia village under Kendrapara block. A plumber by profession, he has been working as a skilled worker in the local Pani Panchayat and getting Rs 1,600 per month. But, he has immense potential in playing comb as a musical instrument.
Before the advent of the electronic musical instruments, melodious music was created by comb with the help of wax paper to entertain the audience at various cultural programmes.
Since his childhood, Ganesh has been an ardent music lover. Once, when he was young, he along with his friends was going to see a drama at Nageshpur. On the way, he had come across a person who was creating beautiful strains of music through a paper and a comb.
“The melody that was created by the artiste was so soothing and pleasant to listen that I was influenced. I started practicing to create music on comb,” said Ganesh.
Creating comb music is very simple as only two components are needed. First, one needs to secure a simple plastic or rat tail comb and a piece of paper. The paper should be large enough to fold over the teeth on the comb. Common wax paper from the kitchen or tissue paper that is used in the wrapping of gifts is ideal for this function.
“To begin playing a comb, fold the paper over the teeth, and then gently place the comb between your lips. Press your lips together firmly, but without pressing down too hard on the comb and paper. This will involve humming a tune while continuing to keep the comb stationary,” Ganesh explained.
This is a wonderful way to amuse the people and remind them of ancient folk art and music, he said.
For the last two and a half decades, he has been playing comb as a musical instrument in stage shows, dramas and cultural programmes in places like Puri, Bhubaneswar and most parts of this district.
“People love to listen to his unique music. Whenever he gives a stage performance, he wins the hearts of music lovers,” said Saroj Kanta Parida, at Tabla artist.
“I can play classical Odissi form, Oriya and Hindi film songs with comb. However, I am yet to be recognised as an artiste by the district culture department, though I keep such a rare folk art and music form alive. I want the department to give comb music a musical art status and encourage me by giving opportunities to perform at government-sponsored cultural programmes,” said Ganesh.
Dillip Kumar Nayak, district culture officer, said he would take steps to do the needful. PNN
