Akshaya Mohanty (Odia: ଅକ୍ଷୟ ମହାନ୍ତି), also known as Khoka Bhai, was an Indian singer, lyricist, composer, musician and writer. He has contributed Odia Bhajans, Odissi songs, folk songs, film and non-film modern light songs in Odisha on contemporary themes and ballads based on popular legends in Odisha.
Mohanty was born to Bichitrananda Mohanty and Subarna Manjari Mohanty at Cuttack on 12 October 1937. Mohanty had no formal training in music. At the age of 22 in 1956, he joined Government services in his home city Cuttack, but quit after seven years in 1963. He became an approved lyricist in All India Radio, Cuttack in 1956. By 1959 he became an approved composer in All India Radio.[1]
Native name RASMI RANJAN DAS
Birth name Akshaya Kumar Mohanty
Also known as Khoka Bhai
Born 12 October 1936
Cuttack, Orissa Province, British India
Died 17 November 2002 (aged 66)
Cuttack, Odisha, India
Occupation(s)
Singer songwriter composer music director lyricist writer
Years active 1956–2002
Akshaya recorded his first song Gadiala Bhai Dharichhi Sura Re in 50s. His first song as a playback singer was Gori Gori Gori in the 1959 Odia movie Maa. He has sung songs in 129 Odia films.
In 1965, he composed music for the movie Malajanha, directed by Odia filmmaker, Nitai Palit. A song from the movie Rakata Talamala went on to top the charts. He composed music for 75 movies. He has experimented with themes, words and in recording and producing special sound effects. Some of his experiments include starting a new cult of ballads in Odia, based on popular legends, such as Kanchi Abhijana, Randipua Ananta, and Konaraka Gatha. He also recorded a popular drama, Patent Medicine, that went on to win the best radio drama award from All India Radio. Some of his popular songs are ‘Kene Gheni Jauchha Jagannathanku’, ‘Saata Daria Paare’, ‘He Phaguna Tume’, ‘Raja Jhia Sange’, ‘Rakata Tala Mala’, ‘Chakori Jhara’anaa Luha’. Akshaya Mohanty also has acted in 3 movies and co-directed a movie.
He composed music in 75 films.
Mala Janha
Kie Kahar
Sansar
Jajabara
Naga Phasa
Taapoi
Jhili Mili
Nijhum Ratira Sathi
Shree Jagannath
Kie Jite Kie Hare
Ashanta Graha
Mahasati Sabitree
Swapna Sagar
Danda Balunga
Jai Phula
Jaga Hatare Pagha
Sankha Sindura
Mamata Mage Moola
Nala Damayanti
Baje Bainshi Nache Ghungura
Chaka Bhaunree
Sabu Mayare Baya
Eai Aama Sanshara
Karunamaya
Badhu Nirupama
Eai Ta Duniya
Tunda Baida
Jor Jar Mulak Taar
Thilli Jhia Heli Bohu
Suna Chadhei
Kurukshetra
Papa Punya
Pua Mora Kala Thakura
Mamata Ra Dori
Chaka Akhi Sabu Dekhuchi
Bidhira Bidhana
Aasuchi Mo Kalia Suna
Daiba Daudi
Chaka Dola Karuchi Lila
Thakura Achhanti Choubahaku
Paradesi Chadhei
Kalia Bharasa
Ama Ghara Ama Sansar
Hasa Luha Bhara Dunia
To Binu Anya Gati Nahin
Kotie Manisha Gotie Jaga
Kapala Likhana
Bhisma Pratigyan
Suna Bhauja
Rakhile Siba Mariba Kie
Lakhsmana Rekha
Pua Mora Jagatajita
Jai Jagannatha