Mitali Ghosh, a versatile singer of Jharkhand and the voice of its nascent film industry has been singing songs in Hindi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Nagpuri, Khortha, Oraon, Ho, Mundari, Santhali, Chhattisgarhi & other regional languages for than three decades. She feels struggling along reading and writing in the field of singing is a continuous process. Ghosh also has a couple of ghazals and classical songs to her credit and feels that though singing is god-gifted talent, one should know the basics of classical singing along with a clear pronunciation and control over language in order to be a successful singer. An advocate of originality rather than the current trend of remixes, she let The Pioneer in on her musical journey.
Since when have you been singingIJ
It is since I was in my mother’s womb. My mother was a very good singer and my father was an excellent instrumentalist. Both my maternal and paternal families are associated with the singing tradition. Though I cannot sing like my mother, but it was she who taught me to sing and play the harmonium. My elder sister was also a wonderful singer. I have taken eight years’ training in classical singing. I came to Ranchi from Sindri, my childhood home, in 1979 and in 1980 I got married to musician Bulu Ghosh. I am fortunate enough to have the musical aura existing at my in-laws house as well. Not all are lucky to have such singing continuation in one’s family. I was always interested in singing and after marriage with the cooperation of my husband I could pursue my interest whole-heartedly. Now I also take singing classes at home and feel I have to work more in this field.
Tell us about your familyIJ
My son is working as Sound Engineer in Mumbai whereas my daughter is working at a Managerial post in New Delhi after completing her management studies.
Why have Nagpuri songs failed to create an international presence similar to that of BhojpuriIJ
This is not entirely true. The reason why Nagpuri has not captured international fame like Tamil, Hindi and Bhojpuri is that after every 10 kilometres the language in our state changes. For example, one village speaks Oraon but the other village people speak Mundari or Santhali. This change within Nagpuri language may be a prominent reason why Nagpuri has not been able to establish a notable mark.
Being a member of Jharkhand’s film fraternity, what is your opinion about this nascent film industryIJ
Before singing for Jharkhand’s films, I used to sing something else. Since I never went outside Ranchi, so I had to accept an association with the state’s film industry as it added a lot to my singing career. Till date, I have sung many Jharkhand-based songs but it is classical singing that has given me recognition and a distinct identity. Two or three years ago, Jharkhand’s film industry was shining, but at present it is undergoing a low phase of lyrical impurity. Earlier Nagpuri songs used to have a purity symbol with no interruption of words and singers.
In the present scenario, are the masses able to connect culturally with the regional songs sung by youIJ
Compared to earlier days, now people are more culturally aware. When I came to Ranchi in 1979, songs were heard only on radio and loudspeakers or in any live concert. Now the availability of media has expanded from television to mobile-phones and the Internet. The scope of cultural existence in regional songs has undoubtedly increased. In coming days, this cultural merging in local songs is expected to increase further.
Which singing project are you working on at presentIJ
I am working on some projects in Nagpuri, Bhojpuri and Hindi songs. I am also working on an album related to Maa Chhinnamastika. A singing project on Deori Mata is also going on.
Who are your favourite singers and source of inspirationIJ
Asha Bhosle has always been my favourite singer. My mother and my husband Bulu Ghosh are my sources of inspiration for being the support in my life, like roots are for a tree. Then, I have my fans because it is due to my fan followers that I could make a name as a popular singer, especially within Jharkhand.