Ever since Odia singer Rituraj Mohanty became India’s first Raw Star, a reality show on Star Plus, he is on a roll. Apart from lending his voice for upcoming Odia films like Bangistan, Ram Ratan Dhan Payo, Hiriye and many more, he has been a huge draw at live musical stage shows all over the country and abroad. He is also seen endorsing brands in his home state, Odisha, where he was born and has lived most of his life.
Rituraj, 26, couldn’t complete his graduation due to an accident, which left him in a coma for months. But he bounced back to life and how!
In his trademark pagdi and long hair with beads strung all around his wrist and neck, the singer who is inspired by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, loves to hum sufiana songs and feels his initial training in Odissi classical helped him come this far.
“After my accident, I never thought I could sing but fate had other things in store for me. I left Odisha in 2011 to try my luck in Mumbai despite a lot of financial hardship. I come from an agricultural family. My father is, however, not just a farmer, he is a percussionist as well. In fact, he trained me since childhood in music but struggled a lot to fund my education,’’ says Rituraj. The young singer is thankful to producer Gajendra Singh (of Zee Sa re ga ma and Star Plus Raw Star fame) and musician Ram Sampat for giving him a platform.
The singer, who got his first break in Bhootnath Returns, completed his matriculation from Amareswar High School in Puri district in 2001 and Plus Two from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar in 2004, where he continued for graduation, until it had to be abandoned due to his accident.
“I will certainly complete my graduation,’’ says a confident Rituraj, his determination evident from the manner in which he talks about his music practice. “Even if I am tired, I make it a point to wake up early and practise,’’ he adds.
College proved to be a turning point in the singer’s life. “I loved music since I was three years old, but my music college taught me to adore music. It also taught me to dream, pursue it and make it true. My institute made me realise the importance of respecting people and I will always give credit to my institute for all the support they gave me,’’ he says. Rituraj had many friends in his college days but never anyone close. “In fact, my iPod was my only constant companion, on which I had downloaded loads of songs and I was never seen without it.’’
Known as a maverick in college for his rebelliousness, Rituraj was against attending general classes of English and History. “My contention was if I am here to study music, why should I waste time on other subjects. So I bunked many general classes and sat in empty classrooms entertaining my friends by singing their favourite numbers,’’ he says, candidly. Despite having 13 girls in his group of friends, the singer never crossed the lines of friendship. He was never one to spend money on watching movies or eating out, but was known as the most ‘helpful’ friend.
Rituraj is currently working on a music video album, Main Tera Naa Raha, by Sachin Gupta. Speaking about his stage shows, he says, My recent show in London with Arijit Singh was quite memorable. The love and support I got from Indians there made me feel at home,’’ says Rituraj with a sense of indebtedness. He opened the show at London with Tume ho to gaata hai dil, Galiyan, Abhi mujhme kahin and Sahib.’’
On his visit to Odisha recently, Rituraj recollects meeting old friends though he could not meet some of his teachers. He was called to Mahavidyalaya to address students about the journey of his life. “It felt so good to be on the podium and to speak to young students who have similar dreams like I did. Meeting some of my teachers also made me feel loved,’’ says Rituraj.
Rooted to his Odia identity, Rituraj dedicated two Odia songs in MTV’s Coke Studio, telecast on July 5. ‘’I sang Rangabati and Bande Utkal Janani with Sona Mohapatra on the show and thought maybe this could be a little tribute to my State and brethren,’’ says Rituraj in an emotional tone.
kasturi@newindianexpress.com