To get to the top in tinsel world, it is said, you need a godfather. But Ramesh Barik, a successful writer, singer and producer, has proved this wrong. By dint of his versatile abilities and sheer hard work, he has made a mark in the Odia film industry.
Born to Akshay Kumar Barik and Panchali Barik of Anala village in Dhenkanal, Ramesh said, “Hard work alone is not enough, you need to prove your calibre. Show the world what you are capable of. From my childhood, I was fond of movies and songs and wanted to be a part of the industry. Once, as a school boy, I came to Bhubaneswar to meet my favourite actor Bijay Mohanty. In the 1990s, I got the chance to watch the audition for an Odia movie Kala Bhairaviin my neighbourhood, which increased my interest in the industry. I started my career in photography and I have never looked back since.”
Ramesh, who has written the story of popular Odia movie Tiger, said, “I wanted to be a singer, but God had some other plan for me. Although I am a winner of state level inter-school singing competitions, I had to work behind the scenes instead of holding the mic.”
After the first movie based on his story became successful, Ramesh produced popular Odia films like Romeo Juliet and Just Mohabbat among others. “Right now, I am busy writing a story for an upcoming movie Chakravyuh,” he said.
Ramesh recently launched a short Hindi musical film Zeena Zaroori Hai with Siddharth Shukla of Balika Vadhu fame. The five-minute film is a tragic love story. Odisha will be showcased in this short film.
Winner of the Odia Filmfare award, Banichitra Award, and the Cinema Sansar award as the youngest producer of Odia films, Ramesh said, “I always wanted to be a singer, but I did not get a chance. But with Zeena Zaroori Hai, I got that opportunity too. Although I am not a front-ranking singer, I am part of a chorus in the film.”
Ramesh added, “Though I have succeeded in every field of my work, there have been ups and downs too. Recently, one of my movie projects was rejected by a popular Odia producer acting under pressure from an influential person. However, these things will never deter me. Yes, I don’t have godfathers in the industry. But my hard work, honesty and determination have kept me going forward on the path of success.”
“I work for 18 hours a day but I also spend quality time with my wife Dipti, son and daughter. Someone recently sent me a challenge for #HumFitToIndiaFit and I have accepted it. I will show him how fit I am. I am joining a gym next month,” said Ramesh with a smile.
SOYONG,OP