Odia Playback Legend Geeta Patnaik Passes Away at 68 After Brain Stroke
Veteran Odia playback singer Geeta Patnaik, whose melodious voice defined generations of Odia cinema, passed away on Sunday at a private hospital in Cuttack. She was 68 years old.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the music and cultural communities of Odisha, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, artists, and fans alike.
Medical Emergency and Final Moments
Patnaik suffered a sudden brain stroke while attending a literary festival in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. She was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital for emergency treatment.
After initial stabilization, she was transferred to a specialized private hospital in Cuttack where she was placed on ventilator support. Despite medical efforts, she breathed her last at 6:18 pm on Sunday, as confirmed by her grieving family members.
A resident of Cuttack, Patnaik's final journey will conclude at the Satichaura crematorium on Monday, where her last rites will be performed.
A Remarkable Career That Began at 15
Geeta Patnaik's musical journey began remarkably early when she started singing professionally at just 15 years old as a lead singer in a chorus group. Her talent was undeniable even in those formative years.
She made her official debut in the Odia film industry through Amit Maitra's 1970 release 'Adina Megha.' This marked the beginning of what would become a legendary career spanning over three decades.
Film historian Surya Deo noted: "The vocalist was particularly admired for her memorable duets with popular composer-singer Akshaya Mohanty. These collaborations created musical magic that continued to resonate with music lovers across multiple generations."
The Turning Point and Rise to Fame
Patnaik's career received its significant breakthrough when Akshaya Mohanty, who was assisting Balakrushna Dash during the recording of 'Adina Megha,' recognized her exceptional talent. Impressed by her vocal abilities, Mohanty offered her a playback opportunity in the film 'Sansara.'
From that moment forward, there was no looking back for the gifted singer. She went on to record numerous timeless classics that became integral to Odia cultural heritage.
Iconic Songs and Professional Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Geeta Patnaik lent her voice to several unforgettable film songs that remain popular to this day. Some of her most celebrated works include:
- 'Phur Kina Udigala Bani' from the film 'Jajabar'
- 'Nagar Re Mora Kanafulia' from 'Naga Phasa'
- 'Ei Tarabhara Janha Rati' from 'Akshi Trutiya'
Beyond film music, she was also a respected artist with All India Radio and Doordarshan, showcasing her versatility across various musical genres including ghazals. Her contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, most notably the State Film Award for playback singing.
Tributes from Political and Cultural Leaders
The news of Patnaik's passing has prompted heartfelt condolences from prominent figures across the political spectrum.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described her demise as "an irreplaceable loss to Odisha's music and culture," emphasizing how her voice had become synonymous with the state's artistic identity.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised Patnaik for carving a unique identity in Odia music and making invaluable contributions to the state's art and culture. He added that her distinctive voice would continue to inspire future generations of musicians and listeners.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik reflected on how her melodious voice had brought Odia music into every household, making her an integral part of daily life for millions of Odia-speaking people.
The passing of Geeta Patnaik marks the end of an era in Odia music, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on through the timeless songs that continue to touch hearts across generations.
