Many people have done remix versions of the famous song Rangabati and no one protested then. What was the problem with the one by Sona Mohapatra on MTV?

I still recall how we were passionately involved in the making of the song when it was recorded at All India Radio. Before I sung it with Krishna Patel, there were days of practice. A lot of emotion was attached to it. I have all the good wishes for Sona Mohapatra, Nila Madhab Panda and others.

Sona, in fact, is like my daughter. But I am yet to accept the way they had tried to remix their version of Rangabati . To get into limelight and earn crores of rupees, they had played with the sentiments of the public. They were unable to recognise the spirit behind the song, the basna (smell) of the soil.

All of them are talented people. But let them try to get success with their own efforts and not use others as ladders.

But don't you think you should thank them since it is because of them that Rangabati has got the worldwide recognition?

What recognition you are talking about? Before they had remixed it and tried to dilute the entire thing, Rangabati was already a hit worldwide. It was the most popular song. Before attempting the remix, they should have consulted me.

If given a chance to remix Rangabati on national television with a popular music group, will you agree?

There is no chance at all. Everything has its own speciality and one should respect it. There are many monuments and rich heritage in the world such as the Sun Temple at Konark, Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri and Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

All these three temples have their own architectural style. We should try to protect these monuments, instead of trying to play with their original structure.

What makes Rangabati so special even after years of its release?

Its music and tune. It has its own originality. No one should try to play with its tune and music. The soul of the common man is attached to it.

Could you tell us the difference you have noticed in the songs of today compared to those of your days?

This is the world of the DJ. No emotion is attached to a song. Now, the songs come to the market and become a hit.

But within a week, they fade away from the minds of people.

People cannot even recall a single line of the song. We should remember that a good song has universal appeal and it will continue to retain its beauty forever. People will remember a good song from generation to generation. Let us see the example of Rangabati .

The song was recorded in 1976-77 but it still continues to be one of the popular songs of Odisha. A good song cannot be restricted by boundaries. In a nutshell, I can say today's songs lack originality.

Who do you blame for this?

Earlier, we were being encouraged to write the songs first and then it was being composed and given the tune. Now, everything is market driven. Now the tune is set first and the writer is asked to pen the song later. In some cases, the singer, the musician and director sit together and decide the song for a particular mood. But that is not always acceptable.

Don't you think the concept of promoting west Odisha culture is creating a regional divide in the state somewhere down the line?

Promoting west Odisha culture should not be viewed as neglecting other culture in other parts of the state.

We all are united and we should work keeping that in mind. We should resist all attempts to divide the state on the basis of culture and language.

Do you feel Koshali is gradually coming to the limelight with Haladhar Nag and you getting recognition?

Every language has its own beauty and dignity. There are hundreds of languages in India and the tone of language changes every 20km to 30km. I am deeply hurt when I notice people fighting in the name of language.

We should try to work towards Akhanda Odisha (united Odisha) and Akhanda Bharat (united India). Keeping this in mind, we can work for development of any language.

Which other personalities from the state do you think remain unrecognised and should get the Padma Shri?

In Odisha, there is no dearth of talent. I don't want to name them because it may lead to another controversy. All of them have contributed immensely to the growth of Odisha and its rich cultural diversity. Many of them have not yet been recognised.

Attempts should be made by the government to bring them to the limelight by acknowledging their contribution. We can rise if we respect their talent and contribution to the society. But at the same time, we should not be the victim of jealousy. When one gets an award, others should acknowledge it.

How has life changed since your name has been announced as the recipient of the Padma Shri?

Nothing major has changed other than individuals and various organisations coming forward to felicitate me.

Don't you regret that you have not been economically well off despite being an accomplished singer?

My younger son is an autorickshaw driver. He looks after me. I also earn some money.

But I have never hankered after money. Perhaps, my poverty has been able to keep a daradi (sympathetic) heart in me.

What would you have been, had you not been a singer?

I had wanted to be a singer since I was a child. I have been able to reach my goal and carve a niche for myself.