Pranab Patnaik

Pranab Patnaik (Odia: ପ୍ରଣବ ପଟ୍ଟନାୟକ; 20 January 1938 – 21 August 2026) was an Indian playback singer who is regarded as one of the pioneering voices of Odia cinema. He worked as a playback singer for more than six decades and sang in over 200 Odia feature films.

Patnaik was also known for his contributions to Odissi music, devotional songs, folk music, semi-classical compositions and ghazals.

Early life and education Pranab Patnaik was born on 20 January 1938 in Buxi Bazaar, Cuttack, in present-day Odisha, India. He was the son of Lal Mohan Patnaik, who served as the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. He later won an All India Radio music competition, which established him as a promising young vocalist and led to regular performances on AIR Cuttack. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, he became one of the most prominent male playback singers in Odisha and collaborated with leading composers and lyricists of the period.

Legacy Patnaik is widely regarded as one of the defining voices of Odia playback music. His recordings have significantly influenced generations of singers and remain an important part of Odisha's musical heritage.

Patnaik also won the Odisha State Film Award for Best Playback Singer on multiple occasions for his performances in Odia films, including Sindura Bindu, Astaraga, Jhiati Sita Pari, Kanyadaan, Pratisodh Aparadh Nuhen and Asha.

In addition, he was honoured with the inaugural Sikander Alam Memorial Award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to Odia music.

Selected filmography

Year Film Notes 1958 Maa Playback debut 1976 Sindura Bindu Award-winning playback 1982 Astaraga Odisha State Film Award 1983 Jhiati Sita Pari Odisha State Film Award 1988 Kanyadaan Odisha State Film Award 1989 Pratisodh Aparadh Nuhen Odisha State Film Award 1993 Asha Odisha State Film Award