The Legend
Songs
Articles Poems
His Songs
Images
Videos
Events
Salil Chowdhury

Batasi Jhada (1981)

The only Oriya film featuring music composed by Salil Chowdhury — with some beautifully preserved rare melodies.

The film showcased remarkable singing performances, including Oriya renditions by K.J. Yesudas.

Batasi Jhada Poster

Film Information

Language: Oriya (Odia)

Year: 1981

Producer: Arati Mohanti

Lyrics: Song BJ1, BJ2 & BJ4 by Profullo Mahakundu
Song BJ3 & BJ5 by Ramesh Jena

A rare musical gem, this film contains some of Salil Chowdhury’s finest compositions adapted beautifully to Oriya music traditions. A 45rpm 12-inch record was released by Gathani (Record No. 45-GLP-1014).

Songs

Nr Song Singer(s) HndMalTamTelKanBngOth
BJ1 Mamataaro baalijhaDa K.J. Yesudas -----DB4-
BJ2 E laakhi jaay dekhi K.J. Yesudas, Hemlata, Sikandar Alam -NL3---SM15 / GS3-
BJ3 Sangini aa rangini tu Leela Ghosh, Sikandar Alam -----SM13-
BJ4 Bedonaa bharaa jibono moro Hemlata -EZ3---LP1-
BJ5 Rimjhimi nishaa bharaaye raakhi Sabita Chowdhury AB1----AG2-

Notes & Background

Batasi Jhada is the only known Oriya (Odia) film featuring music composed by Salil Chowdhury. The soundtrack includes exceptional vocal performances, most notably by K.J. Yesudas, who demonstrated his linguistic versatility by singing fluently in Oriya.

A 45rpm 12-inch record for the film was released by Gathani with catalog number 45-GLP-1014, and copies are extremely rare today. Those seeking one may explore collectors' vinyl archives in Cuttack, Odisha.

The song styles vary from deeply emotional melodies to folk-inspired composition, revealing Salil’s ability to evolve musically across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Some of the compositions have alternate Bengali versions, indicating Salil’s unique multi-language creative process.