The world of Odia cinema, Ollywood, is shrouded in grief following the untimely demise of playback singer Humane Sagar. The artist, whose powerful and distinctive voice defined a generation of music, passed away on November 17 at the age of 34.
He had been on advanced life support at AIIMS Bhubaneswar for more than three days after being admitted in a critical condition on October 14. Despite the best efforts of doctors, he could not be revived. The medical team confirmed he was fighting a severe battle against multi-organ dysfunction, acute-on-chronic liver failure, bilateral pneumonia, and severe cardiac complications.
From Titilagarh to the Top of Ollywood
Born on 25 November 1990 in Titilagarh, Bolangir district, Humane Sagar was destined for a life in music. He was born into a family where melody flowed freely; his grandfather was a composer, and both his parents were singers. This environment nurtured the talent that would later captivate millions.
His big break came in 2012 when he won the reality show Voice of Odisha Season 2. His emotionally resonant performances won the hearts of the audience overnight, catapulting him from a talented contestant to a sought-after playback singer.
A Decade of Musical Dominance
Sagar made his spectacular playback debut in 2015 with the title track of 'Ishq Tu Hi Tu', composed by Abhijit Majumdar. The song was an instant hit, establishing him as the go-to voice for romantic ballads and dramatic anthems in Odia cinema.
Over a prolific career spanning a decade, he lent his voice to more than 150 film songs and nearly 200 album tracks. Some of his most beloved numbers that became household anthems include:
- Sehzadi O Sehzadi
- Mu Pardesi Chadhei
- Gote Sua Gote Saari
- Tum Mo Love Story
- Nishwasa To Bina Chalena
- Pyar Bala Hichki
His prolific collaboration with superstar Anubhav Mohanty was so significant that fans often hailed him as the "voice of Anubhav Mohanty".
A Life Beyond the Microphone
In 2019, Sagar expanded his horizons by joining the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), expressing his desire to contribute to cultural and youth development in Odisha. While he remained first and foremost a musician, this move highlighted his commitment to his community.
On the personal front, he married fellow singer Shriya Mishra in 2017, and the couple has a daughter. Though their marriage ended in a public divorce, friends noted that Sagar was deeply affected by personal tragedies, including the death of his father. Despite these struggles, his professional popularity never dimmed, with his songs remaining staples on radio, streaming platforms, and social media reels.
Humane Sagar's journey from a small town in Odisha to becoming a household name is a testament to his raw talent and the profound emotional connection he forged through his music. His passing leaves a void in Ollywood that will be profoundly difficult to fill, silencing a voice that truly shaped an era.
