Bhubaneswar: The Sumanta Mohanty Foundation Trust organised a nostalgic evening of music and dance in memory of music director late Sumanta Mohanty at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar on January 18.
The evening was inaugurated by former administrator Ashok Tripathi, a patron of culture Pratap Das, cine critic Dillip Hali and journalist Pradosh Patnaik by lighting the auspicious lamp.
In the next segment, flutist Pandit Mohini Mohan Patnaik, music director Laxmikant Palit and Jyotiranjan Mohapatra were felicitated with ‘Sumanta Mohanty Samman’.
The cultural evening commenced with vocalist Matruprasad Das presenting ‘Nikunje Jana’ based on Raga Bajrakanti and a traditional item ‘Nahin Ke Karidela’. He left the audience mesmerized with his infectious singing style. The next performer was Dr Nazia Alam, who presented ‘Sakhi Hey’ from the Geeta Govinda. With her sonorous voice, she left a lasting impression on the art lovers.
Who came next had the audience in her thrall. She was Bhumika Bhabapriya, daughter of late Sumanta Mohanty and a disciple of Guru Aruna Mohanty. She presented ‘Konark Kanti’, choreographed by Guru Aruna Mohanty and music composed by her father.
Thereafter, ‘Barabadhu’ and ‘Devimayee’ were presented by Madhumita Mohanty and the dancers of Nrutya Naivedya.
Dr Mrutyunjay Rath was the anchor of the evening.
Notably, Sumanta Mohanty was allegedly killed on the night of October 9, 2008 and his body was found inside his car at the Chakeisiani-Palasuni road the next morning.
