Ratan Kahar is a Padma Shri awarded folk singer from West Bengal state of India.

Ratan Kahar
Born
NationalityIndia Indian
Occupation(s)Jhumur, Bhadu song lyricist, composer and singer
Years active1964–present
Notable workBoroloker Biti Lo[1]
SpouseShanti Kahar
AwardsPadma Shri (2024)

Biography edit

Ratan Kahar (born 1935) is a veteran folk singer of Bhadu and Jhumur songs of rural Bengal in India. The Government of India awarded the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, in 2024.[2] His famous song Boroloker Biti Lo gained popularity in 1972 with Swapna Chakraborty's voice.[3] The original line of this song Lal Genda Phul caused controversy[4] when popular rap artist Badsha released his "Genda Phul" in 2020. Due to that controversy, Ratan Kahar's music creation, achievements, songs, artistry came to the fore. Badshah settled the dispute by giving him five lakh rupees.[5]

Published works edit

His other Bengali songs are:

  • Didi jano ki go jano na
  • Pala Re Pala Re Ravana
  • ⁠Thele de Mal Garita Chapabo Basta
  • Aghranete Naban khete amar bandhu keno elo na

Awards edit

 
Ratan Kahar receiving the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu

In 2024, Government of India honored him with country's fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri.[6][7]

References edit

  1. ^ "My condition was very bad but I still received Padma Shri": Singer Ratan Kahar on being conferred with Padma Shri". 26 January 2024. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  2. ^ "Padma Awards 2024 announced (in English)". Retrieved 2024-01-27.
  3. ^ "The Folk Origin Story Of Badshah And Jacqueline's 'Genda Phool' Is Unsettling". 30 March 2020. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  4. ^ "Here's everything to know about Badshah's Genda Phool controversy". 4 April 2020. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  5. ^ "Genda Phool row: Badshah pays Rs 5 lakh to Ratan Kahar, folk singer happy to be credited for song". 8 April 2020. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  6. ^ "Padma Award Dashboard". Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  7. ^ "Haven't received any recognition from state: Bengal's Padma Shri recipient". Retrieved 2024-03-02.