HIMANSHU GURU, OP
The rapid growth of the digital music market in Orissa has helped many talented artists from different genres to showcase their talents on a bigger podium. Mamata Tripathi, one such budding singer, is excited to get the much-needed exposure through her upcoming song titled ‘Ei Jibana’. The number has been written and composed by Sthita Pattnaik and will be turned into a music video featuring leading actors of the Oriya film 
For her last album, ‘Emiti Katha Aneka Achhi’, Mamata has lent her voice to eight soulful tracks written by her father and acclaimed Oriya poet Niranjan Padhi and composed by Guru Krushnachandra Ray. While she might be new to singing in public, Mamata is no stranger to the art. She learned Odissi dance and music as a child and is now learning Hindustani classical music under the tutelage of Dr Chittaranjan Pani and Madhulita Parida in Bhubaneswar. “I have been learning classical music for three years, and in this stint, have mastered 10 ragas, with Kalyan being my favourite,” the singer said.
Asked about her musical preferences and comfort level, Mamata replied: “B-Natural! I like slow songs, especially those by Latajee, Ashajee, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan. I prefer songs with good modulations in the composition. I try singing modern and devotional tracks in both Oriya and Hindi, having sober and meaningful lyrics.”
Besides singing, Mamata is also a writer. The singer doubles as an anchor on local TV channels and events, and teaches yoga too. You can spot her anchoring national dance programmes and interviewing renowned Oriya artists on DD National and DD Odia. Currently she is writing a book on beauty and wellness to be included in the state’s high school syllabus.