Bhubaneswar: Legendary singer Shantilata Barik Chhotray breathed her last on Monday. She was 63.
When it comes to Odia bhajans, she was the most sought-after singer of her generation. Her legacy lives on through her music, reminding us of the timeless beauty of her voice. She lent her voice to over 2,000 bhajans. Let us have a look at her evergreen songs.
She is a cherished name among Jagannath devotees throughout the state for her contribution to Odia bhajans. Her timeless bhajan songs which includes Jagannath Tume Bada Chhalia, Thaka Mana Chala Jiba, Mun Je Deula Bedha, and Kaaliare have left an everlasting mark on the hearts of bhajan lovers.
Besides, Hey Chaka Nayana, Kalia Mo Hrudaya Hara, Bhajare Mana, Kala Megha Bhasi Jaare, Mo Prabhu Jagannatha and Mana Bhajatu were hits among others.
Born on October 1, 1960, in Khurda, the legendary singer was a trained vocalist and also a certified All India Radio artiste. An alumnus of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, she honed her singing skills under the tutelage of Guru Balakrushna Das, Markendeya Mohapatra, Singhari Shyamsundar Kar and Gopal Panda.
She had received the title of ‘Acharya’ from the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar.
Barik was felicitated by Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy for her contribution to Odia music, language and culture.
