Be it a wedding ceremony or an idol immersion, Odias invariably look for a peppy Sambalpuri number to enliven the proceedings. That’s how several singers of Sambalpur origin have become popular in Odisha for their voice, modulation and accent that can actually render western Odia lyrics.
Orissa POST met Jhasketan Chhuria, aka Mantu Chhuria, 20, who has won many hearts with his magical voice. Mantu has rendered many popular Sambalpuri dance numbers like Selfie Bebo, Sambalpuria Babu, Jigar Wala, Tor Dj Babu Asigala, Aaichhe Re Nuakhai among others. Recalling his initiation into music, Mantu says, “In my school days I used to participate in kirtan groups in my village. Once I met Bapi Singh and Khirod Bag who inspired me to sing commercial numbers. Under their guidance, I got the chance to sing for my maiden Sambalpuri album Sambalpuri Bihu at Sairam Studios. It was an instant hit among the youth. Subsequently, I got offers to sing for other albums. In the process, I learned many things about music.”
Asked whether singing kirtans helped him develop his musical aptitude, the young singer says, “Kirtans often have a high pitch. Earlier, I used to sing without sound enhancing support. Once you get control over your voice in high pitch, you don’t face any problems while singing the lower notes. Besides, high-pitched numbers attract the audience and Sambalpuri songs have a touch of folk music. Kirtans with shades of folk used to be sung without instrumental support in the earlier days. As most Sambalpuri songs are sung at high pitch, it helped me a lot. Even if you don’t practice daily with a tanpura or harmonium, once you start singing at a high pitch, your voice opens up.”
Mantu Chhuria is a known percussionist who also excels in playing the keyboard. He plays the tabla, dhol, nishan and other instruments to perfection.
He continues, “This is only the beginning of my career, I’ve to go a long way. I am fortunate to have worked with popular artistes like Asima Panda, Diptirekha Padhi and Lipsa. Recently, my song Jigarwala, a duet with Asima Panda, was a big hit. I hope to get film offers soon.”
Son of Soubhagini and Yudhistir Chhuria, Mantu says that his grandfather Ramprasad Chhuria inspired him to sing. He learned classical music from Guru Gyana Ranjan Mohapatra. “As I learned classical, it perfected my Odia accent. I have never faced difficulties while singing songs other than in Sambalpuri,” he says.
An ardent fan of Jitendra Haripal and Humane Sagar, Mantu Chhuria realised that Sambalpuri songs are always popular among the Odia youth. “It’s a privilege to perform Sambalpuri numbers at various cultural events. I always remember my performance at Utkal Mandap in Bhubaneswar where I was invited to sing for the ‘Nuakhai Vetghat’ event. The audience danced to my song and the hall echoed with ‘Once more’ requests,” he recollects.
While many singers are keen on doing cover songs, Mantu Chhuria has no desire to do so. “I love to sing Odia and Sambalpuri songs. I only wish people see me as an Odia singer,” he says.
Apart from being a popular singer, Mantu Chhuria is also a meritorious student. He has completed a one-year diploma in electrical trade from the Government Polytechnic College, Rengali. He is pursing sound engineering at the Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha. “Although there is a recording facility at Sambalpur, we frequently visit Cuttack for better results. I hope I gain adequate knowledge in sound engineering so that we can help improve the recording facility at Sambalpur,” adds Mantu Chhuria.
SOYONG, OP
