He is a familiar name for music lovers. The older generation wax eloquent about his performanceand today’s younger generation has also heard his soulful renditions.
He is the popular folk singer of Assam, Khagen Mahanta, who has established himself as one of thestar performers in the music firmament. Born to a family of Satradhikars (head of Vaishnavite culture),Khagen was influenced by his father, Harendranath Mahanta. He started learning satra music fromthe age of seven. "As there was music all around in our house, I was drawn to music like fish towater," he says.
Khagen learnt to play the tabla quite early in life. As he put it, "I realised quite early in life that tobecome a good singer, one has to learn the nuances of rhythm." He learnt tabla under the guidance of Sushil Banerjee for two years.
Later, in course of his musical odyssey, Khagen came in contact with Rudra Barua, an eminent artiste and former director of cultural affairs, Keshav Mahanta, a well-known lyricist. "I owe them a lot for what I am today. If it were not for their inspiration, I would not have become a professional," he recalls. Incidentally, it was Keshav Mahanta’s song "Kalore patat kowri pare" set to tune by Rudra Barua and sung by Khagen, that set him on the road to success. "I have been singing this song since 1957. People love to hear it over and over again." Khagen’s first solo performance was held in 1959 when he took part in the all-Assam Inter College Music competition. It was the same year that hetook part in the All-India Inter University Youth Festival at Mysore and bagged the first prize in playingthe khol, a traditional music instrument.
The All India Radio bestowed him with the title of grade A artiste. In 1961, he received accolades forperforming at the Park Circus maidan. Known as the Bihu Samrat, Khagen struck an instant rapportwith the audience at an open-air performance. Such is his popularity that thousands of people wait forhim till the wee hours for his performances during Bihu.
He met his better half, Archana on stage. He married the nightingale of Assamese folk music and has a son and a daughter. Despite their popularity, Khagen and Archana remain down-to-earth. Fansare their top priority and they wouldnot like any of their fans to return disappointed. The two havenever quarrelled till date. They have always steered clear of arguments by arriving at some kind ofagreement. Recounting one of his memorable performances at the Royal Hall at Kathmandu in 1965,Khagen says, "This performance will remain etched in my memory. Besides musical luminaries likeDharam Raj Thapa, the king of Nepal, Mahendra graced the function. I sang a folk-based Nepali songwhich I picked up from two beggars at Bhaktapur. His Majesty was so pleased to hear the song, thathe wanted to see me from close quarters. Even Dharam Raj Thapa honoured me on stage by takingoff his cap and placing it on my head."
Even then, Khagen is not an artiste wrapped up in himself. He has tried to better the lives of lessermortals. This was the time when all hell broke loose during the 1960 Language Movement. He, alongwith other artistes toured the strife-torn areas where the Army was deployed. "I feel happy I could dosomething in their hour of need," he says.
A leading radio and TV star, Khagen is regarded as one of the state’s most authentic singers, whohas not let pop and disco mar his style. Though Assamese folk music today has degenerated to tritesong and dance medleys, it still remains an integral part of this agricultural state. Khagen lamentsthat adulteration has crept into Assamese folk music with electronic gadgets.
"It is unfortunate that the traditional instruments have taken a backseat. The new generation of Bihusingers are influenced by western music. They are adding urban colour, thereby destroying theethnicity of folk," he says unhappily.
Though he tries to be true to his form, he takes in these changes when they evolve naturally. As heputs it, "As culture is not static and changes with time, I have also kept myself in tune with newchanges. After all, folk dating back to several decades would not be the same today." Khagen’s songs speak volumes of the rustic life in Assam and illustrate the socio-cultural fabric of village life.He talks of the jovial relationships, and the rifts in social ties. His songs are appropriate for weddings,festivals and celebrations. He has also performed abroad.
He defines folk music as "all that is traditionally passed down through word of mouth throughgenerations. Songs of the people, for the people and accepted by them. The lyrics are penned byunknown composers. However, in the non-folk genre, the lyricists are given due recognition. In folk,you cannot add or change musical instruments, the basic tune and character of the song." In fact, hisunwavering faith in tradition has made him a cut above the rest.
His mission in life is to save the folk and traditional music from extinction. "It is our duty to preserveour heritage and promote it by encouraging the new generation to accept folk in its pure form."
