Humane Sagar’s ‘untold struggles’: Odia music director recounts late singer’s struggling days, humble attitude

Nearly a week after the passing of renowned Odia playback singer Humane Sagar, senior music director Manas Kumar has come forward with a series of previously unknown revelations, detailing the singer’s prolonged struggles, emotional setbacks, and the mounting career pressures that accompanied his rise to fame.

Speaking to OTV, the composer said the singer’s journey was marked by silent hardships that were rarely disclosed during his lifetime.

Kumar, who worked extensively with Humane, said the singer performed more than 200 songs under his direction, most of them emotionally intense tracks.

 “He had a preference for sad songs as his voice suited the lyrics and there was a demand for them at that time,” he said.

Struggle Began with Rejection

Sharing a specific incident from around 2009–2010, Kumar described how Humane once visited a city studio hoping to record his first major song but returned without singing.

According to the composer, the studio had already offered the same sad song to another singer, Sangram Mohanty, by the time Humane arrived. Despite losing the opportunity, Humane listened to the full recording and quietly left the studio.

Kumar said the young artist had no resentment even after the setback. “If it had been someone else, they would have hated me. However, Humane was a really good person and met me with courtesy and respect,” he recalled. Humane later returned to record another song after Kumar personally called him back.

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Emotional Exploitation Alleged by Other Music Director

While Kumar spoke about the singer’s early hardships and personality, noted music director Prem Anand has separately alleged that Humane was emotionally exploited in his final months. 

He said the 36-year-old was often compelled to perform despite poor health. Anand claimed that Humane repeatedly expressed a desire to meet his daughter but was “not always allowed to do so”, suggesting that denial of family contact deeply affected him.

Anand said Humane once cried during a long conversation and spoke of situations affecting his mental state and health. The composer said he advised Humane to stop stage shows temporarily, adding that they had planned a press conference after Bali Yatra and the Nuapada elections, which never materialised.

ALSO READ: Humane Sagar was not aware of programme dates and made to attend despite being seriously ill: Singer’s mother

Viral Confrontation Raises Questions

The allegations have surfaced alongside a viral video showing a verbal clash between Humane’s mother, Shefali Suna, and his manager, Dinesh alias Papu.

In the video, Papu accuses the grieving mother of “creating drama before the media” and also claims to have unlocked the singer’s phone, prompting questions regarding why the device was accessed and whether police had authorised it.

Police officials have not commented on the claims regarding excessive work demands or emotional interference. They have also not provided details about whether the contents of Humane’s phone will be examined as case evidence.