Odissi music, deeply intertwined with the Jagannatha temple of Puri, remains an integral part of Odisha's culture. Traditionally, Odissi music was a form of seva (service) to the deity Jagannatha, with the Gitagovinda of Jayadeva sung nightly during the Badasinghara ritual. This unbroken tradition reflects the genre's historical and spiritual significance.
Prem Anand, a distinguished music composer, has significantly contributed to the contemporary music scene in Odisha. Trained at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and a disciple of Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, Anand has become a prominent figure in the Odia film industry. His career, spanning over three decades, showcases his ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining a deep connection to traditional forms.
Anand’s journey began in Odisha, where he built a reputation as the best music director in the Odia film industry. His relentless dedication to creating superior music led to his rise in popularity. Despite challenges, Anand's humility, musical expertise, and continuous learning have driven his success. His work spans various genres and styles, including corporate credit, retail, digital, and international banking, reflecting a versatile approach to music.
Expanding his influence, Anand ventured into Bollywood, debuting with the film ‘Dekh Bhai Dekh’ in 2009. His song ‘Aankhon Mein Kyon Nami Hai,’ sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, established him as a talented composer. Recently, his songs ‘Baahon Mein’ and ‘Khuda Raazi’ from the film ‘Love U Turn’ garnered significant attention, marking a milestone for an Odia composer in Bollywood.
Anand's success in Bollywood was hard-earned, involving collaborations with industry giants like Sajid Nadiadwala and the late Yash Chopra, and working with celebrated artists such as Udit Narayan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Subramaniam, Sonu Nigam, and Sunidhi Chauhan. His perseverance in the Hindi film industry underscores his talent and dedication.
A notable innovation by Anand is introducing a cappella music in Odisha, exemplified in the title song of Sri Mandira. This masterpiece, featuring choir singing without instrumental accompaniment, highlights his creative prowess. Anand’s contributions extend to social causes, creating music for tribals, governors, mining societies, and various organizations to raise awareness of social issues.
Recognized for his innovations, Anand was titled Music Scientist by Dr. Binoy Das at the All India Scientists Conference. His work includes composing the anthem ‘Jai Ho Hindustan Ki’ for the Odisha Hockey World Cup, which resonated deeply with the nation’s aspirations. Another significant project was the BJP’s campaign video for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, ‘Phir Aayega Modi,’ showcasing India’s achievements and Modi’s leadership.
Anand's approach to music emphasizes dedication and discipline. “Music does not have any language,” he says, underscoring his belief in continuous learning and research. He advises aspiring musicians to focus on creating good work, embrace experimentation, and acknowledge their flaws for continuous improvement. His journey, marked by perseverance and innovation, serves as an inspiration to the younger generation.
Odissi Sangita, comprising Dhruvapada, Chitrapada, Chitrakala, and Panchali, remains foundational in his compositions, bridging traditional and contemporary music seamlessly. Prem Anand's work is a testament to the enduring power and evolving nature of Odissi music.
