“Your Uniqueness Is Your Strength”- Singer Pragyan Hota

“Your Uniqueness Is Your Strength”- Singer Pragyan Hota

“The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.”, this quote by French novelist Émile Zola well describes the young and talented singer of O-town Pragyan Hota. 

After winning a singing reality show, till now Pragyan has more than 80 songs to his credit for multiple music videos and more than 35 Odia films. Recently completed her Post Graduation in English from Utkal University, this multi-talented girl has paved her way to success with natural talent, dedication and hard work.

Hailing from Dhenkanal, daughter to a semi-government employee father and ex-lecturer mother, Pragyan comes from a family without any background in any art form. Surprisingly she is not only a brilliant singer, but also is very good in academics. She is a trained Odissi dancer and has got recognition for anchoring too. 

Her song list includes hit tracks like Malka Malka, Rama Rama Ye Jhita, Oh Sunayana, Prema Heigala, Rabba Rabba, Only Pyar, Mana Khali Tate Chahen, Heigala Ishq Re, Akhi Akhire, Tora Dine Ku Mora Dine, Kichi Sampark Emiti, Sapana Durei Gala, etc. And the film list includes Sister Sridevi, Agastya, Tu Mo Hero, Suna Pila Tike, Screw Dhila, Only Pyar, Mana Mo Neigalu Re, Vairab, etc.

My City Links caught up with Pragyan for an exclusive interview, here are the excerpts.

You were an all-rounder in school. Tell us more about it.

Yeah, that’s true. The fact is I always gave my best in everything I do. Besides being a very good student, I did well in debate competitions as well. I used to paint and was also a very good athlete during my school days.

How did singing come your way?

I started learning Odissi dance at the age of 3. When I was 6 years old, I remember I attended an event where I was supposed to perform a folk dance. During the event my father insisted that I sing a Sambalpuri song to which I had danced before. I agreed I sang the song on stage. Although I got the consolation prize for the song in the event, that’s when my father’s friends insisted that he also let me learn singing along with Odissi dance. I started learning music when I was in class IV. 

Tell us about the support you have got from your family.

Everyone in my family is an art lover but no one before me has tried to make it a profession. I can still remember my father making me listen to Indian classical songs. Along with the training, I used to listen to songs of Md. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, etc. at home. My mother was an Odia lecturer but she left her job to take care of me and my studies.

In 2015 when I had my 12th board exams I came across the ad for the audition of the show ‘Voice of Odisha’ on Tarang TV. I tried to reason with my mom that I wanted to participate. Somehow I managed to convince my father but of course it was very tough for my parents to allow me to attend the audition during such a crucial time of my studies. With the love from my audience and the blessings of my parents and the almighty I won the show. So yes, my family is the reason why I am here today.

How did your debut song ‘Malka Malka’ come your way?

Music composer Prem Anand sir was the person who made me stand in front of the mic in the recording studio for the first time. It was for the dummy version of the song ‘Tike Chagala’ for the film ‘Agastya’. During that time I had sung many other dummy songs. And then I got my debut song ‘Malka Malka’ under his composition again for the film ‘Jhia Ta Bigidi gala’ with Humane Sagar as my co-singer. 

We have heard that you are getting offers to act in films too. Is it true?

Not much but once director Tapas Sargharia sir told me that veteran actor Mihir Das sir had once recommended my name for a film. Other than that I have got only a few offers. Although I have acted on stage during my school days but with lack of self-confidence I denied (chuckles). However I have plans to make albums. Hopefully someday I will, fingers crossed.

How tough is an artist’s life?

I would say, it’s tough but if someone is dedicated he/she can definitely succeed. Taunts from close people always hurt and makes you feel low. A self doubt arises that I may not succeed. I feel 90 % of people who are doing different jobs for a living are not happy from the inside. Only 10% of people like me are happy because they are doing what makes them happy.

You are quite active on social media. How do you think it’s helping talents?

Social media is a reliever for any talent. Nobody is bound to wait for any platform. They can show their talent through their social media handles. If I am free any day and I am not working for any company or channel, then I have work for my own on my social media pages, where I share my thoughts, create my own stuff and promote my projects.

Have you ever faced trolls?

I am fortunate enough not to be trolled by anyone so far and the fact is I crack a lot of jokes on myself, so there is no need for others to troll me. I have noticed a few people on social media, who intentionally comment negatively to get a reply from me as they have noticed that I am not someone who stays calm, I always reply. I have a line for all the negative people around me- “choti bachi ho kya?(Grow up)”.

Has anyone ever told you that you and singer Aseema Panda look similar?

Yes, I have been hearing this from a lot of my friends for a long time. Recently Aseema didi has also heard the same and was telling me about it. She is so talented; if people think we are related in any way then it’s my pleasure.

We have seen a lot of your videos on social media with your maternal grandmother. Tell us about her.

In fact my social media activity increased after I started capturing her. She is my personal motivator. I call her ‘Jhula’. She is my sweetheart.

Do you have any message for aspiring singers?

Just keep believing in yourself. Your uniqueness is your strength.