“My Father was the one who directed me onto the path of
music. He dreamed of becoming a singer, but because of the stereotypical
mindset then, he couldn’t. He sent me off to Shantilata Barik for Odissi Vocal
lessons when I was quite small. I used to sit on her lap and sing and
sometimes, even doze off. She was the one who gave me my first stage show at
the age of 4. When I went to Little Champs, I was sure that this is the thing
that I wanted to do all lifelong.
In the reality shows that I had been to like Little Champs
and Dil Hai Hindustani, I had to face quite a lot of issues. Since, social
media wasn’t a big thing then, the audience was not quite aware, especially the
Odia people. Also, the participants from Odisha were discriminated against. For
me, I wasn’t allowed to choose from the bunch of songs that the Creative had
selected, I was usually handed what was left. Moreover, when I returned to
Odisha, the Music Directors expected me to sing a range which is not my forte.
They assumed that since I am a girl, I should sing around higher range.
Despite all, I have been trying and pursuing my dream. I
have done playbacks for Odia albums and music videos. I recently did a music
video, “Rangabati Returns”, with MLA Sura Routray. I even assisted Adnan Sami
on his European Tour in 2012.
My current aim is to use my music to talk about socio-political
issues. The path might be difficult, but I am prepared to face it head on. One
day, my music will bring the change that I want to see in the world.” – Barnali
Hota.
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