Renowned bhajan singer Shantilata Barik Chhotray, who made a name for herself performing classic bhajans like “Thaka mana chala jiba,” passed away on Monday in a private hospital in this city. She was 65 years old and had cancer. Shantilata was well-known for her bhajans and had a distinctive voice that could sing high-pitched tunes.
Odia Singer Santilata Barik Biography
Santilata Barik Chhotray, a renowned Odia vocalist, left an indelible mark on the world of devotional music. She attended Odisha Sangeeta Mahavidyalaya after being born in Khurda on October 1, 1960. Gopal Panda, Singhari Shyamsundar Kar, Markendeya Mohapatra, and Guru Balakrishna Das helped her polish her singing abilities.
In addition to being an official All India Radio artist, she is well-known among the state’s Jagannath enthusiasts for her work on Odia bhajans. The renowned vocalist possesses almost 2,000 devotional songs.
She will always be remembered as a great vocalist, well-known and highly respected in homes around the state. According to her supporters, her passing has left a gap in the Odia bhajan industry that will never be filled.
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Odia Singer Santilata Barik Health Battle and Passing
She was transported to Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital in 2011 after receiving a cancer diagnosis, according to reports. Several months after her therapy, she returned to Odisha. In 2022, she became ill once more and was admitted to Tata Memorial Hospital.
After receiving treatment for several days, she returned to Odisha. She was taking medication. Her illness returned on September 22, 2023, and she was admitted to the hospital. Last year, she was put on ventilator support. On April 1, 2024, she passed away at a city-based hospital, leaving behind a void in the cultural world.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed condolences and announced that her funeral would be held with full state honors.
Santilata Barik Early Life, Education & Career
She was born on October 1, 1960, in Khurda, Santilata Barik was a trained vocalist and a certified All India Radio artist. She graduated from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and honed her skills under the guidance of stalwarts like Balakrushna Das, Markandeya Mahapatra, Singhari Shyamasundar Kar, and Gopal Panda.
In addition to being an official All India Radio artist, she is well-known among the state’s Jagannath enthusiasts for her work on Odia bhajans. Santilata Barik Chhotray, an iconic figure in Odia devotional music, had a remarkable career that significantly impacted the cultural landscape of Odisha. The well-known singer has about 2,000 religious songs in her repertoire.
Notable intellectual accomplishments were also made by the vocalist. The Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar bestowed upon her the title of “Acharya,” signifying her proficiency in her field.
Odia Singer Santilata Barik Devotional Music
The legendary singer has not only songs that are full of joy but also songs full of devotion and courage that can give someone spiritual devotion. Santilata had over 2,000 Odia bhajans to her credit, particularly devotional songs related to Lord Jagannath. Some of her popular bhajans and songs include:
- Hey Chaka Nayana
- Kalia Mo Hrudaya Hara
- Bhajare Mana
- Kala Megha Bhasi Jaare
- Janama Rahichi Marana Ghere
- Mo Prabhu Jagannatha
- Kau Ta Kala
- Jhinda Kataraku
- Rama Nama Sara
- Manaku Karichhi Gopapura
- Om Sashi Sekhar
- Srikrushna Hari Hari
- Haati Dhali Dele
- Mun Pani Hele
- Kala Manika Re
- Badi Baragudi Bhai
- Bhaji Bhoji To Nama
- Kala Srimukha
- Dekha Uduchhi
- Jay Jay Laxmikanta He
- Rajara Upare Maharaja
- Rangamati Lo
- Mate Emiti Kanhiki
- Baga Kahe Baguli Lo
Odia Singer Santilata Barik Legacy and Recognition:
Santilata rose to fame with her rendition of the bhajan “Hey Chaka Nayana.”
She and her friend Lata Ghosh were considered the best pair of female bhajan singers.
Barik’s message reverberated in many Odia homes, making her an admired figure in the region. Hits like “Thaka Mana Chala Jiba,” Bhaji Bhaji to Nama, and BaliRenu MahaBandha were among her repertoire. With its spiritual and religious nature, these songs have enhanced Odisha’s cultural fabric in addition to providing entertainment.
Her mellifluous voice and spiritual devotion left an indelible impact on the Odia music industry.
The Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy felicitated her for her significant contributions to Odia music, language, and culture.