I started two weeks ago and let me tell you these two weeks turned to almost 2 months of daily listening and I am still behind. The amount of music Mr. Mohanty or Khokha Bhai as known to his loved ones is tremendously huge. Figures can be found online but I decided to write this blog about some particular songs which really touched my heart and a small story I heard about him.
But before that let me start with a quick brief about the Godfather of Odiya Music himself. He was born in Bankimundai on the 12th of October 1937. Simple man with no formal training in music and tired of working in a government job he decided to quit in 1963 to pursue his dream of making music. All I would say is God always has a plan and this would be the perfect example.
When I began the search to buy some of his music I already knew a couple of his songs and the most influential for me has been “Jajabara” and also “The Monkey”.
Now for the uniformed you should definitely listen to The Monkey as this is such a fun filled song. I had to take some help to understand some of the lyrics. I can’t believe the whole 60’s feel I got while listening to his music. Very retro.
Now let me tell you that his music is not for the uninitiated. Do not expect all of the recent digitally enhanced mumbo jumbo . This is strictly old school. You might get even ridiculed but don’t back down. This music is wonderful for that afternoon when you are alone. His music is divine and to take in the whole “pheel” of the song do it alone. Play “He Faune Tume” for a lazy afternoon or listen to “Bada Hai Rana” for just a fun filled quickie or even “Macha Hela Kata” for that Cuttacki Chick you want to patao(I will try to learn it for my wife)
I am definitely playing “Cuttacki Sandhya” for my Cuttacki friends this time in India. And also “Alo Mani” for some fun filled ribbing. “Alo Hundi” is also a good track and really fun to listen to. These songs take me back and now I feel like kicking myself for playing Frisbee with some of his records when I was a kid.
I love the way he weaves a story with his music. And his reference to food is very very Odiya. Makes you want to take the next flight to Odisha or if in Odisha just get off and get a bite. :P And dont worry my broken hearted friends ... he has some great break up songs as well like Tameta Asila Nahin and Prema Kemiti Hue.
And for the naughty boys there is definitely and a must listen called " Mora Ta Minitika Prema" . Also listen to "Sahira Piley" for an adorable song about a cute couple.The last lines are really awesome. "Mita Das" is a quirky song about a girl named the same which sounds very very familiar. "Nali Ranga Kurta" is a nice acoustic song.
One song i did not understand due to my limited knwoledge of Odiya and will probably hearing more is "Maichia Gokhei Sahu".
Well I don’t know how many of you people out there have actually have listened to him in your younger days but I did not and also have been trying to listen to more and more of him.
His lyrics are simple fun and adorable to listen to. Although I haven’t had the chance to ever meet I did meet someone who met him in the States and the gentleman told me that Mr. Mohanty was a gem who was a rockstar in his own terms and to prove that he told me about an incident when he was there and started his afternoon with beer and pakhal bhaath (A man of my heart). We as Odiyas have so much to learn from his songs. I would definitely be learning a couple of his songs to sing to my mother in law(another huge fan).
Anyways winding up I would really want to finally say that every Odiya must listen to his music and I am sure not one of us would be disappointed. Parents !! Don’t make the mistake my parents did and drag your kids , lock them in the car and drive around with Mr. Akshaya Mohanty’s music on full blast. I am sure they will definitely appreciate you much more after listening to him.
Time for me to head home with a swagger in my step and happiness in my heart and all I can hum is “ Kabat Khola Priye”…… Damn Good Stuff !!!
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