Khagen Mahanta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Khagen Mahanta
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Khagen Mahanta, Archana Mahanta & Hiren Bhattacharya
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| Born | 17 August 1942 Nagaon, Assam, British India
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| Died | 12 June 2014 (aged 71) |
| Other names | Bihu Samrat |
| Occupation | Singer , Composer |
| Years active | 1958–2014 |
| Spouse(s) | Archana Mahanta |
| Children | Angaraag Mahanta , Kingkini Mahanta |
Khagen Mahanta was a famous singer and composer from Assam, India. He was known for his folk and traditional music. People called him the "King of Bihu" (Bihu Samrat) because of his popular Bihu songs.
His songs, including Borgeet and other folk tunes, are still loved in Assam today. Khagen Mahanta, his wife Archana Mahanta, and their son Angaraag Mahanta (also known as Papon) were a very important musical family in Assamese music. He passed away on June 12, 2014.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Khagen Mahanta was born in Nagaon, Assam. His parents were Harendra Nath Mahanta and Laxmipriya Devi. From a young age, he showed a great talent for music.
When he was just fifteen years old, he started performing in concerts. His performances in Shillong were very popular and well-received by the audience.
A Career in Music
In 1958, Khagen Mahanta got a big chance. The newly opened Delhi Doordarshan (a television center) invited him to perform. His show was a huge success and helped him become more well-known.
Around 1960, he joined a movement to support the Assamese language. He worked with famous people like Bishnuprasad Rabha. He was part of a music group called "Harmony." Through his beautiful voice and songs, he shared messages of human values.
In 1961, his first song was played on the radio from the Guwahati All India Radio center. This was a gramophone recording, an older way of recording music. He also took part in the "World Peace" festival in Calcutta. Khagen Mahanta became a top artist on All India Radio. He sang many types of Assamese music, including folk songs (Lokageet), children's songs (Okoni Geet), and music for plays.
Family and Musical Legacy
Khagen Mahanta was married to Archana Mahanta. She was also a talented Assamese folk singer. They often performed together. Their duet performances helped make Assamese folk music very popular. They became known as a beloved singing duo.
Their son, Angaraag Mahanta, also became a singer. He is famous for modern Assamese music and lives in Mumbai. Khagen Mahanta had two grandchildren, Puhor and Parijaat. He also had a daughter named Kingkini Mahanta. The Mahanta family is truly a musical family!
Passing Away
Khagen Mahanta died suddenly at his home in Guwahati on June 12, 2014. He passed away in the afternoon, which surprised and saddened many people across the state. He was survived by his wife, Archana Mahanta (who later passed away in 2020), and his son, Angaraag Mahanta. The state government even declared a half-holiday on June 13, 2014, to honor him.
Recognitions and Awards
Khagen Mahanta received many awards and honors for his musical contributions. These awards came from both India and other countries.
One of his most important awards was the Sangeet Natak Academy award in 1992. This award is given for excellence in folk and traditional music.
Here are some of his other awards:
- 1988 - Film Craft Award
- 1992 - Sangeet Natak Academy
- 1994 - Shrimoy Award
- 1999 - Sangeetacharya
See also
In Spanish: Khagen Mahanta para niños
