The sequence
of holi is a unique theme that can be visually exploited for a wonderful
outcome. Relying on this notion, Oriya film directors have filmed a number of
holi songs in their movies. Yet, the ‘Holi holi re holi, ranga rangeli nali’
song from Prashanta Nanda directed blockbuster movie ‘Balidan’ (1979) is the
most popular one. Not only in the old films but holi songs and sequences have
been used many a times by the directors both from the old and new generation.
Himanshu Guru exclusively talks to some legends of Oriya film industry as well
as some stars of the present era to dig out the essence of holi in Oriya film.
“Holi and
rain are the two prime subjects to lure audience” says Prashanta Nanda, the top
personality of Oriya film. He has made a number of super hit films and was the
leading director cum actor in the seventies, eighties and nineties. More than
that, he is the director and actor of the aforementioned song. “The song not
only narrates celebration of holi in the rural areas of Orissa but it also
showcases the mythological significance through ‘Dola yatra’, filmed in the
song” Nanda said.
‘Balidan’
reflected the erstwhile social thinking about the struggle of a simple village
guy to get justice. The film not only earned great appreciation but people were
stunned to watch the songs where the holi song was one of the best.
“Not only have
this song, but holi sequences and songs been put several times in oriya films.
But there is a difference between observation of holi in urban and rural area
and in that song I tried to focus on rural holi’ Nanda added.
“Even today
once it comes to perform a holi song, the one from ‘Balidan’ is used in stage
shows” said actress Rali Nanda. Rali has so far carved a niche for herself in Oriya
film industry with her acting and dance prowess. “I have done a holi sequence
in the Barada Tripathy directed film ‘Superstar’. ‘The best thing about holi is
the colour and audience loves the seven colours on the silver screen a lot”
Rali also said.
“I had done
a holi song in film ‘Rudra’ that starred Anant and Madhu, the two lead actors
of the film” said Abhijit Majumdar, a proficient music director cum singer of
current Oriya films. According to him holi is the best occasion to make a song.
“I feel overwhelmed when my director wants me to compose a holi song since this
occasion offers ample scope. And I did not wanted to give the song to any other
singer, but decided to sing it myself to bring the real essence of holi” he
also said.
When asked
whether Oriya audience accept occasional songs on Holi well or not, Abhijit
answered in the affirmative. “Yes, why not? They will be happy to watch holi on
the screen and it has been well tested” he added.
“My director
wanted a holi song and I composed the ‘Holi holi re holi, ranga rangeli nali’
song for film Balidan, said Prafulla
kar, the legendary singer and music director of Oriya films. Kar was the
composer, singer and lyricist of the said song.
“Celebrating
holi in Oriya culture was not very much pompous earlier while it was celebrated
in the north with much fanfare. So, when we put the song in the film in 1979, I
think it brought a message about celebrating holi in Orissa involving a number
of people. Perhaps that was the reason people accepted the song wholeheartedly”
Kar also said.
“The song
was also much needed for the sequence of the film and ‘Balidan’ was also a
blockbuster. Prior to that I had recorded another holi song with HMV and thus
during this song I could put my expertise to make it bloom” he added.
Not only in
films, but holi is an occasion when Oriya film celebrities love to woo their
fans with their presence at holi related events in the city. Holi is the day when
everybody wants to live a colorful life. And film fraternity is not out of the society;
rather what goes on in the society is only reflected via the scripts of a film.
Hence, definitely Oriya film fans will be anxiously waiting for holi songs and
sequences to watch on the screen in the coming days.
