Odia Music Maestro Prem Anand Invited to IFFI Goa, First from Odisha’s Music World
Bhubaneswar: Celebrated Odia music director Prem Anand has been invited to the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa, marking a historic moment as the first music professional from Odisha to receive this honor.
Anand, who began his career in 2006 with the Odia film Tu Eka Ama Saha Bharasa, has composed music for over 60 Odia films, along with television shows, Bhajans, and traditional Jatra songs. His work has also extended to Hindi, Marathi, and Bengali films, including Dekha Bhai Dekh (2009) and Luv U Turn (2019). Recently, he composed the official anthem for the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup.
Speaking about the invitation, music enthusiasts and industry insiders called it a proud moment for Odisha, noting that Anand has been a flag bearer of Odia culture and music, representing the state at national and international platforms.
The IFFI invitation further cements Anand’s position as one of the leading voices of Odisha’s music industry, and highlights the growing recognition of Odia cinema and music on global stages.
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his year, Odisha’s cinematic talent shone brightly at IFFI Goa, with films such as Maliput Melodies, Bindusagar, and Mahima Alekha receiving critical acclaim and festival screenings alongside Anand’s recognition. Industry insiders said this reflects the growing prominence of Odia cinema and music on national and international platforms.