Biswajit Mohapatra: The Journalist Who Found His Note
When the Pen Gave Way to the Mic
In the town of Bhawanipatna, Odisha, a young man was studying mass communication, preparing for a career in journalism. He had a degree, a job at a local news channel, and a practical path ahead of him. But the stage kept calling, and a voice he had inherited from his mother refused to be silenced. This is the story of Biswajit Mohapatra-a playback singer who started as a journalist and proved that talent, persistence, and a little bit of courage can rewrite any script.
Biswajit Mohapatra is a name that resonates in the Ollywood music industry and in the hearts of fans who followed his journey on Indian Idol Season 10. Born in 1992 in Bhawanipatna, he is a singer who has deliberately contributed to the Odia film industry and released many solo albums. He is also a man who, despite being a runner-up on a regional reality show and reaching the Top 14 of a national competition, continues to seek improvement rather than rest on his laurels. "I want improvement to be my constant," he says, embodying the spirit of an artist who is never quite satisfied. This biography traces the journey of a man who chose passion over practicality and found his true voice along the way.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
A Mother's Gift
Biswajit was born in 1992 in Bhawanipatna, Odisha. His early life was steeped in music, thanks to his mother, Jayanti Mishra, a radio and Doordarshan artist. It was she who introduced him to singing, planting the seeds of a career that would take years to fully blossom. His elder brother, Satyajit, who is also a singer, became his biggest inspiration. Growing up in a household where music was cherished, Biswajit absorbed the melodies and rhythms that would later define his career.
The Journalism Detour
Despite this musical upbringing, Biswajit initially charted a different course. He completed his graduation from Utkal University and pursued a post-graduation in mass communication. For three years, he worked as a journalist for a local news channel. On the surface, it seemed like a stable and practical career choice. "I was a photojournalist and I worked for three years in a news channel. I have even done many sting operations," he would later reveal. But beneath the surface, the musician in him was yearning for a different stage.
The Defining Moment: A Standing Ovation
From College Stage to Reality Show
The turning point came unexpectedly. At a college annual function, Biswajit sang Kailash Kher's "Saiyaan." The audience gave him a standing ovation. That moment, he says, made him realize that music was an inseparable part of his life. "That day I realised that music is an inseparable part of my life," he reflects.
In 2012, he participated in the singing reality show Voice of Odisha on Tarang TV, the second season of the popular regional show. He emerged as the runner-up. This was a significant milestone, but it was not the overnight success he had hoped for. "I was of the impression that winning the reality show would open up avenues for me in Oriya filmdom. I was wrong. My journey has been like a roller-coaster ride," he admits. For a time, he continued working as a journalist, feeling increasingly suffocated by the distance between his profession and his passion. Eventually, he quit his job to dedicate himself to music full-time.
The Rise: From Playback Singer to National Stage
Forging a Career in Ollywood
After Voice of Odisha, Biswajit began receiving offers from the Odia film industry. He got his big break when renowned music composer Prem Anand gave him a chance to record a song for the Anubhav Mohanty-starrer Jaga Hata Re Pagha. "I sang the song after Anubhav sir gave his nod," he recalls. The track "Kauthu Asilu Janena" became a rage, marking his arrival as a playback singer.
Since 2012, he has contributed significantly to Ollywood, lending his voice to many films and releasing solo albums. His notable playback songs include "O Sahiba" and "Sajna" from the 2017 film Kabula Barabula, "Premare Papa Kete" from Tu Mo Love Story (2017), the "Welcome Song" from Blackmail (2018), and "Miss You Papa" from Chal Tike Dusta Heba (2019) . He also released albums such as Sunle Maula (2016), Odia Fresh Hits (2018), Sastha Ru Nastha (2018), and Hai Re (2019).
Stepping onto the National Stage: Indian Idol
In 2016, Biswajit auditioned for Indian Idol Season 9. Already an established playback singer, he performed the popular Odia song "Phuchuki Gali" from Suna Panjuri . He made it to the Top 40 before being eliminated.
But he was not done. In 2018, he returned for Indian Idol Season 10. This time, he made it to the Top 14. His performance of the Marathi song "Hi Porgi Konachi" was particularly well-received by the judges-Anu Malik, Neha Kakkar, and Vishal Dadlani. Vishal Dadlani was so impressed that he said, "Your voice is simply terrific, and it gives me goose bumps". Neha Kakkar, too, was moved to tears, feeling that his voice deserved to be encouraged. He was eventually eliminated in the fifth round, but he had already left an indelible mark.
Musical Style and Discipline
A Versatile Voice
Biswajit's singing is marked by its emotional depth and technical versatility. Trained in Hindustani classical music for four years under Guru Santosh Kumar Jha, and also trained in western music, he brings a rich palette of influences to his work. His performances often showcase his ability to move seamlessly between genres, from soulful Odia ballads to high-energy Hindi pop covers.
The Discipline of Practice
One of the key factors in Biswajit's journey is his relentless discipline. "I practice for seven hours a day. I seek knowledge and techniques of different genres of music," he revealed during his Indian Idol stint. This rigorous practice regimen reflects his belief that success is not served on a silver platter. "Indian Idol is a catalytic process, it gives you a head start, a buffer so to say. If you want to remain in the thoughts of the public, you have to toil harder and harder," he explains.
Key Takeaways
It's Never Too Late to Follow Your Passion: Biswajit worked as a journalist for three years before committing to music full-time, proving that creative careers often require a leap of faith.
Discipline is the Key to Longevity: His seven-hour daily practice sessions reflect the belief that talent alone is not enough; hard work is essential.
Reality Shows Are Launchpads, Not Destinations: Voice of Odisha and Indian Idol opened doors, but his consistent work as a playback singer built his career.
Family Support Matters: His mother introduced him to music, and his brother Satyajit remains his biggest inspiration and pillar of strength.
Versatility is an Artist's Greatest Asset: Trained in both classical and western styles, Biswajit can adapt to any genre, making him a valuable artist in the playback industry.
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