Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: Veteran Odia playback singer Pranab Kishore Patnaik, whose distinctive and soulful voice became an integral part of Odisha’s musical heritage, passed away on Friday at the age of 88. He died while undergoing treatment in Bhubaneswar following a prolonged illness. He received a Guard of Honour with full state honours at his residence before his final rites . Leaders, artists, and fans gathered to mourn the loss of Odisha's golden voice.

With his demise, Odisha’s music fraternity has lost one of its most celebrated voices. Patnaik’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he lent his voice to more than 200 film songs and became a familiar name among generations of Odia music lovers.

Born on January 20, 1938, Pranab Kishore Patnaik began his playback singing journey with the Odia film ‘Maa’ in 1958. He went on to work with several prominent music directors and singers, establishing a distinctive identity through his deep, melodious voice and expressive singing style.

His repertoire extended beyond film music. He made significant contributions to Odissi, folk and devotional music, ghazals and semi-classical compositions, further strengthening his place in Odisha’s cultural landscape. Popular songs associated with his career include ‘Majhi Re’, ‘Mun Keun Sahare’, ‘Tuma Gaon Mahumachhi’ and several other memorable numbers.

Patnaik was recognised with several prestigious honours during his long musical career. These included the Jayadev Puraskar, the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and multiple Odisha State Film Awards for Best Playback Singer.

His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Odisha.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the veteran singer’s demise, describing it as an irreparable loss to the state’s art and cultural world. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also paid tribute, remembering his contribution to Odia music.

For countless listeners, Patnaik’s voice remains inseparable from the golden era of Odia cinema and music. His timeless melodies, remembered across generations, are expected to keep his musical legacy alive long after his passing.