Odisha Bids Emotional Farewell to Legendary Singer Pranab Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: Odisha bid an emotional farewell to legendary singer Pranab Patnaik as his last rites were held at Khan Nagar in Cuttack on Friday, bringing to a close the final journey of one of the State’s most celebrated musical voices.

Earlier, his mortal remains were brought to his residence in Bhubaneswar, where friends, fellow artistes, well-wishers and admirers gathered in large numbers for his final darshan. Actors, singers, musicians, ministers, political leaders and other prominent personalities visited his residence and paid their last respects.

Renowned singer Pranab Patnaik was also accorded a Guard of Honour at his residence in Bhubaneswar, in recognition of his immense contribution to Odisha’s music and cultural heritage.

Members of the Odia film and music fraternity remembered Patnaik as a maestro whose extraordinary voice gave soul to the culture, traditions and emotions of Odisha. His passing, they said, marked the end of a timeless chapter in the history of Odia music.

Singer Subas Das described Patnaik as a multi-talented artiste who could sing across every genre, from soulful bhajans to modern songs.

“He was a multi-talented artist who could sing across every genre, from soulful bhajans to modern songs. He had been unwell for some time, but his passing is still a profound loss,” Das said.

Musician Laxmikant Palit said Patnaik was one of the last legendary voices of the Odia music industry.

“He was one of the last of the legendary voices of the Odia music industry. With the passing of Pranab Patnaik, an era of Odia music has come to an end,” Palit said.

Singer Antara Chakraborty, who had shared the stage with Patnaik on several occasions, described his demise as both a personal and collective loss.

“I was fortunate to share the stage with him on several occasions. His passing is a huge personal loss for me and an immense loss to the world of music,” she said.

Singer Nazia Alam recalled the influence Patnaik and other legendary voices had on an entire generation of musicians.

“Many singers of our generation learned and found inspiration by listening to legendary voices like Pranab Patnaik, Akshaya Mohanty and Sikandar Alam. Today, we have lost one of the last great singers of that era,” she said.
For singer Abhijeet Mishra, Patnaik’s demise was deeply personal.

“Today feels deeply personal. For me, this loss is not just of an icon, it is the loss of someone I have known since childhood,” Mishra said.

With his last rites at Khan Nagar, Cuttack, Odisha bid a final farewell to a legendary voice whose melodies, artistry and contribution to Odia music will continue to resonate with generations to come.