With the announcement of Padmashree for acclaimed singer and composer Prafulla Kar on the eve of the 66th Republic Day, the State cherishes contributions of the legendary musician whose distinctive singing and compelling compositions earned him enormous fan following not only in Odisha but across the globe.
Born in 1939 into a family of musicians, the veteran music maestro has been a household name in Odia music. He has left his mark in over 70 Odia films, radio and album songs. He has received best music director in awards for eight times, six times in a row in the State. Apart from his popular devotional numbers, Kar has composed music for numerous Odishi dance dramas and ballets. His recordings of rare collection of traditional Odia songs including the Odia Bhagabat, Chhanda and collection of Geeta Govindam of Jayadev earned rave reviews.
Kar is a singer, music director, poet, writer and columnist, all rolled into one. The master of mellifluous voice has been a patron of not only Odia music but also other forms of creativity, be it literature, visual or performing art, what makes him an ultimate cultural icon. The Pioneer representative Snigdha Nanda has a rendezvous with the melody maestro who at an age of 75 years is still regarded as the ‘Prince from the enchanted land – the Kamala Desha Rajakumars’
This year, you will be the only person chosen to represent Odisha among 104 Padma awardees. How is the feeling as through this award your contribution to music over the years is recognized and rewardedIJ
I do not feel good. Being only one from Odisha getting the Padma award is disappointing. Had there been more great personalities from the State to accompany me, it would have enhanced the charm of the award. A bouquet of flowers is more appealing than a single flower.
I am not elated to get carried away by the award for never had I carved for that kind of recognition. I am a single-minded person; prefer to be left alone with my music. Appreciation or criticism, I am not bothered. I hope after me, many others from the State too would get it.
Then, what, according to you, is the ultimate award for an artistIJ
love and appreciation from audience. It is the best award not only for a singer or musician, but for artists across all creative fields. Whether it is a painter, a dancer or musician, appreciation from the mass is no doubt is the best reward.These days creativity has got commercialized. Success and rewards are being evaluated in pecuniary achievements. But what is the use if you are being paid lakhs to perform without proper audience appreciationIJThat way you may have your pocket filled, but will get emptiness in heart. For me admiration from audience is the best reward.
Some way or the other, do you think the recognition will be helpful to achieve your ultimate aim to promote Odishi musicIJ There has been a drive demanding classical status for Odishi musicIJ
I always want to see Odishi music being known and popular. I think and work to promote it. But I am far away from the mad rush to claim classical status for Odishi music. It’s a madness going on. look at the Odishi style singing of Simhari Shyamshunar Kar, Nrusimanath Khuntia and Kasinath Pujapanda. They all started with Hindustani music and then ventured into Odishi music. It needs more experimentation. Without this, those who demand classical status for Odishi music are still wandering in darkness.
I describe Odishi as a regional classical music. No doubt, Odishi music has its genuine distinctiveness that was appreciated by audience across the globe. Odishi used to have ‘Britt Gaayan’ – Still, most of the people do confuse between ‘Britt’ as ‘Raag’ and ‘Raag’ as ‘Taal’, mainly due to publishing disasters in early stage. Without understanding it, we remain adherent to this wrong perception.
Every society prefers evolution, socially and culturally. What about Odia musicIJ Given the age-old tradition of ‘Champu’ and ‘Chaupadi’ with the current scenario, do we have anything to feel proud about the contemporary Odia musicIJ
The old tradition was based on Odia language that has most accurate phonetics. That’s what made them marvel. It even gets appreciated by non-Odia audience who do not understand the language. But these days musicians are more confused even about evolution of Odia language.
People in music line these days are frustrated and misguided. They do not show interest in other creative fields. A music director should have interest in other creative fields to think and feel. You elevate your thought process that nurtures creativity. It is about inner feeling. If that is not creative and artistic, you can never be able to express. But this is just a phase that will get over soon.
Film music has been very influential in society. What do you think about the current status of Odia musicIJ Does it ever make you worry about the future of Odia musicIJ
It will never get spoiled. There have been so many architecturally wonderful buildings. But none can surpass the marvel of monuments like Puri and Konark temples. These are temporary influence, just like waves in sea which make it look at times muddy and at the other crystal clear. Such impacts are natural and timely influence.It cannot affect age-old traditions. looking at the mastery in kids, I am very hopeful about the future.
Tell us about your current musical venturesIJ
I am recording an English devotional fusion with German girl Marisha from Berlin. She is a wonderful opera singer with admirable voice control. It feels good to work with such talented vocalists.