Senti Akhiyaan, the latest song by the dynamic musical duo of composer Ram Sampath and singer Sona Mohapatra, mesmerised the audience lately. Singer Sona Mohapatra talks to The Pioneer about the song’s origin and how it engenders a sense of emancipation. She also discusses the current state of the mainstream music industry.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
Together again, the dynamic duo of composer Ram Sampath and singer Sona Mohapatra brings listeners enthralling new song Senti Akhiyaan. The song, which was inspired by the poetry of teenage poet Roshanaara Qureshi, explores the idea that the eyes are a window into the soul and has Sona’s trademark of raw emotion and fire. Sona Mohapatra, a singer, composer and lyricist, was born on June 17, 1976, in Cuttack. The playback vocalist gets right into the exclusive interview with The Pioneer!
Admired for her deep voice and catchy tunes, the Bedardi Raja fame stated, “I don’t believe that in order to make a point with our songs, vocalists must always be preachy! There’s a sense of liberation expressed in my most recent track, titled Senti Akhiyaan. I also adore extreme feminist anthems. I wanted to combine reggaeton beats and Indian melodies with Senti Akhiyaan because, as an artist, I have been releasing a lot of intense music. It was more akin to my song opening a gateway for love and liberation. Even though it has a “Hinglish vibe,” the fundamental message is that you cannot cheat.”
In actuality, Ram Sampath discovered Roshanaara, the poetess behind latest track, on Instagram. The musical duo Ram and Sona hopes to collaborate with a lot more up-and-coming musicians in the near future. There are incredibly great new artists involved in this project as well. They have their own in-house record labels and come from a musical family, therefore they are highly educated, says Sona. She spent two restless nights finishing Senti Akhiyaan! Ram has always advised her to embrace her identity as an artist as, in Ram’s opinion, she stands out from the other musicians.
“We used new technology to create this Frida Kahlo-inspired music video when I realised Ram’s intentions! It proved to be a do-it-yourself project. While it might not be to everyone’s taste, as an artist, I experiment with different methods, mostly for my own inner fulfillment. I had a great deal of respect for Frida because of hardships she faced. Look at the times after her death—she’s turned into an icon! She was just as well-known as her spouse. She had previously remained in his shadow, but after her breakthrough, which, as history tells us, included a turbulent marriage. However, she later became known as “the Frida Kahlo.” Senti Akhiyaan, as a ballad is therefore composed in a way that gives the impression that they are extremely powerful,” Mujhe Kya Bechega Rupaiya fame added.
After reading some of the comments on her Instagram saying ‘what had happened to Sona’, ‘asking why she was singing these gibberish lyrics’, ‘questioning if she has changed into someone else’- “Hey, no, is how I would respond to those remarks! I’m just painting myself in fresh hues. I don’t want to constantly be in my comfort zone. I want to learn something new with each new release of mine. A short time ago, I also released Barsai Badaria. Composed by Ram, it is an eternal love ballad sung by rebel rock star Mirabai. Senti Akhiyaan is nothing like this! My favourite portion of this Hindustani semi-classical piece is the ‘Sargam’ in the second antara, which simulates the pitter-patter of rain. It features great sitar player Purbayan Chatterjee and virtuoso guitarist Sanjoy Das. It seems like returning to the main meal after a delightful appetizer and both are, in my opinion, as significant. It’s Mirabai’s poetry, yet it’s really seductive.”
Jiya Laage Na fame also strongly believes that India is still not to the point where people are prepared to pay for music. They still desire free music streaming. They believe that since they pay for the internet, the music will be available for free. Even though being a musician requires a lot of work, they are nonetheless driven to provide fresh, innovative music for listeners. This is how she is making a comeback to the music industry; she enjoys doing it much and there are no financial rewards. “Roshanaara and I instantly connected because of the “rebelliousness.” Together, we released an anthem! In order to improve the energy in the song, I enjoy having spiritual connections with my collaborators. Musicians never get old; at times, I feel like I’m twelve and I forget about other people. The best thing about being a musician, in my opinion, is that there are no social norms that restrict us. Even as a public figure, I am not expected to act in a specific way! Roshanaara and I had a strong sisterhood, which helped to facilitate our collaboration on Senti Akhiyaan,” simultaneously, Sona remembers. However, she never takes anything for granted because she is married to Ram Sampath, a well-known music producer and composer in the country. However, the pair enjoys discovering new talent to introduce! Senti Akhiyaan’s beats have a distinctly Latin American feel to them and the harmonium that permeates all of her tracks makes them distinctly ‘Sona-esque’. She dislikes becoming wholly westernised, whether in terms of her appearance or mentality. She was deeply intrigued by Frida’s strong celebration of her identity. She had a great rapport with her self-driven, independent persona. All in all, Sona prefers not to instantly copy or dress up in sequins like every other artist just because it is trending.
She goes on to explain, “I define my own bar for glamour, which we can hear. My body type won’t make me appear glamorous in a dress! A kadha, a baaju-bandh, or a bindi can also make me appear magnificent. My goal is to use music to honour my heritage. The fact that Frida was of Mexican descent and never dressed like anyone else also struck a chord with me. That truly speaks to me—even though her eyebrows were linked, she didn’t seem to mind. She did not spend her tme moulding them into the women of her era. That strikes me as having creative integrity. Senti Akhiyaan, a celebration of free spirits, also incorporates percussion. This isn’t just any old love song.”
For Sona, hearing someone refer to it as non-film music is strange. She must let it go by laughing. What? Lata Mangeshkar sang simple songs all her life. Pop musicians with sophisticated training can also exist; one such musician is Shreya Goshal. Or, the Wadali brothers, the shining example! Here, the general populace is the real hero. When some Kacha Badaam trends occur, you’re only confusing true music enthusiasts, who hold music in the highest regard. To your ears, that may not be music, but it might be entrainment. Sona was shocked to see he was signed to a record label! She does not relate to popular music. Make something original; no one wants to hear a mixed version of Chaand Baaliyan,” she remarked.
“Pop music has brought us joy and happiness. Though I am aware of Spotify’s top 100 list, I can also observe that users of the same platform are also listening to music that isn’t related to movies. On the same platform, there are audiences who are prepared to pay for music! All music and art require an audience. Since free music is the worst enemy, it also has to do with live music culture, which many of us enjoy. For us musicians, these internet streaming services have been a blessing. Every kind of voice has a place. These are great times since we don’t have to wait for those commercial breaks to succeed anymore. I also adore how the media presents independent musicians in a positive limelight,” Satyamev Jayate fame gives some more of her thoughts on a parting note.
