By CHANDRASHEKHAR TEWARI
(Programme Associate, Doon Library & Research Center)
Uttarakhand’s famous folk singer Prahlad Singh Mehra passed away today in a private hospital in Haldwani. According to information received from various sources, he suffered a heart attack. At this time his age was only 53 years. There is a wave of mourning in the Uttarakhand music world due to his demise. Many folk singers, musicians and music lovers have described his untimely demise as an irreparable loss for the folk music of Uttarakhand.
It is noteworthy that Prahlad Singh Mehra, a vigilant guardian of Kumaoni folk culture and folk singer, was born on 4 January 1971 in Munsiyari tehsil Chami, Bhainskot of Pithoragarh district. His father’s name is Hem Singh and mother’s name is Lali Devi. Prahlad Singh Mehra was fond of singing since childhood. Along with this, he was also adept in playing musical instruments. Influenced by Kumaoni folk singer Gopal Babu Goswami, he entered the field of singing and music and continuously worked in this direction.
He had created an important place in the hearts of people by giving many new and old superhit songs to the Uttarakhand music world. People were crazy about his songs and music. His typical mountain face and accordingly his singing style and the theme of mountains in his songs made its place in the minds of common people. Prahlad Mehra had made an important contribution in taking Kumaoni music to new heights. He has sung many songs including Aija Myara Danpura, Jalebi Ko Daab. His recent hit song was Rangbhang.
His many hit Kumaoni songs are ‘Pahad Ki Cheli Le, Dwee Rawata Kabhe Na Khaya’ ‘Hima Jaag… Ka Chh Tero Jalebi Ko Dab,’ Chandi Batna Daju Kurti Collar Maa, Meri ‘Madhuli… Eja Mera Danpura’, etc. By giving his voice, he had captured the hearts of millions of people of Uttarakhand. By giving his performance in such superhit Kumaoni songs, he became a senior star singer of Uttarakhand music industry. He was inclined towards music since childhood, he used to sing these songs in his village itself. Till now he had given his lyrics and music in more than 100 songs.
Senior cultural worker of Haldwani, Nainital and singer of Kumaoni folk songs Mrs. Veena Tiwari says that she is speechless due to the demise of a down to earth folk singer like Prahlad Mehra. His demise is a great loss to Kumaoni folk music. He was a very simple, easy going and cheerful person. Just a few days ago I had talked to him about recording my songs. He had asked Khushi to cooperate in this work.
Hem Pant, head of the ‘Kumauni Shabd Sampada’ of Rudrapur, Udham Singh Nagar and an active member of the’ Kitab Kauthig Abhiyan’, says that Prahlad Mehra was always a supporter of the folk artists of the lower class. He was always at the forefront in providing a respectable platform to their work and in their struggles for their interests. Prahlad Mehra also had an important contribution in giving recognition to budding folk singers like Pappu Karki, who died untimely, in singing and music.
