National Film Award-winning sound engineer from Odisha eager to make movies on Odia culture

Odia sound engineer Manas Choudhury recently bagged the Best Sound Design Award in the 70th National Film Awards for the year 2022 in the non-feature film category for the movie Yaan.

Manas started his career as a sound recordist and never looked back. Apart from this coveted award, Manas has received many more national awards as well. He received the IIFA Award in 2008 for the movie Chak De! India. He also bagged a Filmfare Award in 2010 for the movie Firaaq.

Manas, who hails from Pathuria village under Khandapara block of Nayagarh district is on cloud nine after bagging the prestigious National Film Award.

“I am extremely happy for the prestigious award. My hard work and passion for cinema has paid off,” said elated Manas.

“Film and Television Institute of India in Pune was a dream for me. After passing from the institute, I got an opportunity to work with eminent director Shyam Benegal in Mumbai in 1993. Then I worked with Nagesh Kukunoor and Ketan Mehta. I also worked in four-five Odia films in between. I got the opportunity to work in a mainstream cinema- Chak De! India in 2006-2007. Then my career took a new turn. Chak De! India got nationwide acclaim and subsequently, I got several offers to work in so many mainstream movies,” said Manas.

Talking about the movie Yaan for which Manas got the National Award, the eminent sound engineer said, “It’s a sound-driven movie. It was a very tough and challenging task to narrate the movie in sound.”

According to Manas, dedication, passion and hard work are the mantras for young cinema makers to be successful in the field. 

“Though my family members wanted me to be a doctor, I was passionate about cinema. Eventually, my family members supported me and I started my journey by following my passion. My mantras for the young cinema makers will be dedication, passion and hard work. I have set a target to make some good Odia movies showcasing Odia roots and culture,” he signed off.