Eminent Odia playback singer Pranab Patnaik dies at 88
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 21: Veteran Odia playback singer Pranab Patnaik, whose distinctive voice enriched Odia cinema and music for decades, passed away at his Bhubaneswar residence on Friday. He was 88.
Patnaik was among the recognised voices of the Odia music industry and had lent his voice to several popular songs during a long and distinguished career. His contribution to Odia music earned him a special place among music lovers across the state.
News of his demise triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders, fellow singers, artists and admirers, who recalled his contribution to the growth and popularity of Odia music.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condoled the singer’s death and described it as an irreparable loss to Odisha’s art and cultural world.
In a message posted on X, Majhi said he was deeply saddened to learn of Patnaik’s demise, recalling how his “timeless voice” had captivated people across Odisha. The Chief Minister noted that the veteran singer had been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Jayadev Award, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and State Film Award.
Majhi said Patnaik’s melodious voice and timeless music would remain immortal in the hearts of Odias. He also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and the singer’s countless admirers, while praying for the departed soul.
Several prominent personalities and fellow artistes, including singer Subhas Das, music personality Laxmikant Palit and Congress leader and former minister Suresh Kumar Routray, also expressed grief over Patnaik’s death.
They remembered him as a significant figure in the Odia music tradition and paid tribute to his enduring contribution to the state’s cultural landscape.
Patnaik’s death marks the end of an era for a generation of Odia music lovers who grew up listening to his voice. His songs, preserved through recordings and cherished by audiences, are expected to remain part of Odisha’s musical legacy.
With his passing, Odisha has lost a veteran artiste whose career was closely associated with the evolution of modern Odia film music and whose voice became familiar to generations of listeners.
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Photograph: File photograph of Odia playback singer Pranab Patnaik.
