Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
Once a reality show star, Dibya Das Mitra has made a name for herself as a playback singer. She is also an accomplished Odissi dancer
Reality shows are a dime a dozen on television now with every channel coming up with its own singing or dancing show. While most contestants on these shows get a few moments in the spotlight, there are a few who have built on their reality show success. In the realm of singing reality shows, singer Dibya Das Mitra has gone on to become a name to reckon with. Dibya rose to fame with ‘Ranga Rasia’ from the movie Pagala Karichu Tu. She has hit songs like ‘Kut Kut Dhana’ from the movie Super Michhua, title track ‘Rangila Baba’ from the movie Rangila Baba, ‘Rowdy Rangabati’ from the movie Prem Re Prem Re, and ‘Milky Milky Mo Muhan’ from the movie Tora Dine Ku Mora Dine in her kitty. Dibya’s bold voiced renditions are extremely popular with the youth and her style of singing particularly suits the many item numbers that she has recorded for Oriya films. However, her talent is not confined to singing only. She is a popular Odissi dancer too. In a tete-a-tete with Orissa POST, the artiste talks about her passion for music and dance.
Though Dibya started learning Odissi when she was barely four years old, she started learning music only when she was doing her Plus II course. However, she proved her mettle as a singer in the Odia film industry very early. Under the tutelage of Manmath Mishra and Krishna Priya Mishra, she honed her musical skills. She says, “I was extremely passionate about Odissi from childhood. Inspired by my grandfather Kirtan Bihari Das, I have performed at numerous events. I was conferred with the Best Odissi Dancer award by Kalashram in 2006 and it only increased my love for dance. While learning Odissi, I felt the urge to learn music and, with each passing year, my urge only became stronger. That is how I started learning music under the guidance of music director Manmath Mishra and Krishna Priya Mishra.”
She continues: “Dance is my passion. Similarly, I breathe music. Though I started learning music a little late, it has brought me fame. I got a big break when my co-participants were still struggling to make a mark in the industry. I can’t think of leading a life without music and dance.”
Dibya was greatly inspired by ‘Mahari’ dance and immersed herself in it. A fine exponent of this dance form, Dibya feels that she is able to establish a direct connection with the Lord through this dance form. “I am an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath. Whenever I perform, I feel as if I am directly communicating with my Lord. It gives me a sense of satisfaction.”
The turning point in her life came when she got a chance to participate in the music reality show ‘Swara Odisha Ra’ aired on Sarthak TV. Though she first came into the limelight after participating in ‘Kalinga Star’ aired on Doordarshan, it was with ‘Swara Odisha Ra’ that she garnered a lot of support and adulation for her unique voice and singing style. She was among the top five contestants when she got a break to sing for a movie.
“I felt blessed because when my fellow participants were making all-out efforts to get a chance in the movies, eminent actor-lyricist Srikant Goutam sir gave me the opportunity to try playback singing for an Odia movie Prem Re Prem Re. It made me famous overnight and there has been no looking back,” she adds.
The newly-wed Dibya wants to try her luck in Bollywood. That apart, she wants popularise Odissi all over the world. “I must say my husband Sayan Mitra and his family are very supportive. I am sure that with their support I can achieve more fame in both dance and music.”
Apart from completing MCA, Dibya has earned a Bisrad in music and Alankar in Odissi dance. Recounting some memorable moments in her life, she says, “I just captured the moment in the camera of my heart when I received the best Odissi dancer award from Kalashram in 2006. That apart, I cherish the moment when Srikant sir gave me a break in playback singing for an Odia movie.”