Prafulla Kar

Prafulla Kar (16 February 1939 – 17 April 2022) was an Odia musician, singer, lyricist, writer and columnist. He was also famous for his Odissi Music recital. He received Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award by the Government of India in 2015 for his contribution in the field of arts.

Early life and career Born in 1939 into musician family in Puri, Orissa Province. His father is Baidyanath Kar and mother is Susila Kar. His uncle Khetra Mohan Kar was a tabla player. He was raised and brought up by his grandfather Bhagaban Misra and grandmother Apanna Devi because he lost his father at an early age. when student he was a part of AISF ( students wing of CPI) and as an artist he was an eminent part of IPTA, the cultural wing of CPI.

Prafulla Kar has worked as music director and often as singer in 70 Odia Films (Released and unreleased) as well as in 4 Bangla films.

In popular culture 'Prafulla Kar Samman' awarded to different singers every year to celebrate his birthday in a two-day musical event. The award consists of a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh, a citation and a shawl.

Awards Year Award Event Category Source 2004 Jayadeva Award Orissa State Film Awards Music 2008 Swarna Sanjibani Award 2009 Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Award 2010 Balakrushna Das Award 2011 FitFat Biscope Award 2012 Kadambini Award Parampara Award 2013 Sahadev Padhi Award 11th Kumar Utsav 2015 Padma Shri Arts 2015Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2016 D. Lit. (Utkal University) Music 2017 Choklate Legend Award Choklate Music Awards