Bhubaneswar: Rituraj Mohanty sounded ecstatic. As if he has achieved that contentment he had been waiting for since he made it to the top slot of singers in the country. Reason, he has finally lent voice for an Odia song for the film Sister Sridevi, a Tarang Cine Productions venture scheduled for Raja release.
‘’I have sung Hindi songs but was waiting for the right Odia song. So when Abhijit Majumdar called up, I was in Manali and my joy knew no bounds when I got to know he was offering me a song in Odia for a film. I was planning a trip to Odisha for some family celebration and ritualistic pujas, so I jumped at the opportunity,’’ explains Rituraj.
From a humble beginning as a reality show contestant, the Odia boy from Jogeswarpur in Nimapara, Puri, has travelled beyond boundaries and achieved success in a very short time with hard work and perseverance. His sufiana renditions have won hearts worldwide and he has also been collaborating with Sona Mohapatra in many of her compositions.
With a childlike innocence, Rituraj explains his excitement. ‘’The theatre close to my home in village runs Odia movies and plays the film songs on loudspeakers as soon as an Odia film ends. That makes the song and the voices resonate all over and people love to listen to the tracks. I was waiting when my Odia song will be played and voice heard through those loudspeakers so that my family, parents, friends would also feel good. Am happy, this Raja, that dream will be fulfilled when ‘’ek hasina thi, ek diwana tha..’’ a Hindi-Odia mix song from Sister Sridevi will be heard. That will be my tribute to my people in Odisha,’’ the singer who has recorded a couple of Hindi film songs, adds.
Speaking highly about the composition, he says, the lyrics by Nirmal Nayak are outstanding and music by Abhijeet is heart touching. ‘’It is a sad song reflecting frustration of the protagonist. Am sure the song will be appreciated by all age groups and reach the nook and cranny of the State,’’ stresses Rituraj signing off with a wish to sing more Odia songs soon.