The Odia film and music fraternity woke up to heartbreaking news on Saturday as celebrated composer and playback singer Abhijit Majumdar passed away at the age of 54. Known for shaping the emotional core of modern Ollywood cinema, Majumdar’s soulful melodies, romantic ballads, and powerful background scores had become an inseparable part of Odisha’s cultural soundtrack over the past two decades.
According to reports, the veteran musician had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS since September 2025 after being diagnosed with multiple health complications, including chronic liver disease, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. His condition reportedly worsened late Friday night, following which he was placed on life support. Despite the best medical efforts, Majumdar breathed his last on January 25, leaving fans, colleagues, and admirers across the state in deep mourning.
A Shockwave Through the Odia Film Industry
News of Abhijit Majumdar’s demise spread rapidly across social media, triggering an outpouring of grief from actors, directors, singers, politicians, and music lovers. The Ollywood industry often described as close-knit came together in collective sorrow, remembering a man whose music had defined an era.
Former actor and Odisha MLA Akash Das Nayak was among the first public figures to express his condolences. In an emotional tribute, he described Majumdar as a “remarkable contributor to the film and music industry” whose work would continue to live on in the hearts of audiences. He also extended prayers for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family.
Similar messages flooded digital platforms, with many artists recalling how approachable and encouraging Majumdar was, especially toward young singers and musicians trying to find their footing in the industry.
From Rising Talent to Household Name
Abhijit Majumdar rose to prominence around the year 2000, at a time when Odia cinema was undergoing a creative transformation. With fresh orchestration styles and emotionally resonant compositions, he quickly carved out a unique identity.
What set Majumdar apart was his versatility. Whether composing romantic duets, festive dance numbers, melancholic heartbreak songs, or intense dramatic scores, he displayed an uncanny ability to connect with the pulse of the audience. His tunes were not merely background additions to films they often became the very reason audiences remembered certain scenes long after leaving the theatres.
Over the course of his illustrious career, he composed more than 700 songs across Odia and Sambalpuri cinema, working on feature films, music albums, and independent projects. Several of his tracks went on to dominate radio playlists and wedding celebrations alike, becoming staples in Odisha’s musical culture.
A Creative Force Behind Ollywood’s Emotional Moments
For many filmmakers, Abhijit Majumdar was more than just a composer he was a storyteller in his own right. Directors frequently turned to him when they needed music that could elevate a scene’s emotional weight or give a film its signature sound.
Playback singers who collaborated with him have often spoken about his meticulous approach in the studio. He was known to push artists gently but firmly, encouraging multiple takes until the exact emotion he envisioned came through. Yet, he was equally admired for his warmth and humility, traits that earned him long-lasting professional relationships.
Industry insiders credit Majumdar with helping shape a modern sonic identity for Odia cinema at the turn of the millennium bridging traditional melodic structures with contemporary arrangements that appealed to younger audiences.
Family and Personal Loss
Abhijit Majumdar was a loving family man in addition to his career accomplishments. He is survived by his son and wife, Ranjita Majumdar. The composer has been dealing with long-term health problems, but friends close to the family have described the past few months as a very trying time. Despite this, they are optimistic about the composer’s recovery.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve the loss of a husband, father, and loved one whose presence was central to their lives.
Fans Remember the Man Behind the Music
Across Odisha, radio stations replayed some of Majumdar’s most beloved compositions as fans shared memories of the songs that accompanied their life’s milestones first loves, weddings, long bus journeys, and festival celebrations.
Many listeners described how his music made them feel “seen” and emotionally understood, a testament to his gift for crafting melodies that resonated deeply with everyday experiences.
In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, small groups of admirers gathered outside recording studios and cultural centres where Majumdar had once worked, lighting candles and offering prayers. For them, his passing marked the end of a musical chapter that had defined their youth.
A Legacy That Will Live On
While Abhijit Majumdar may no longer be physically present, his artistic legacy remains firmly embedded in the fabric of Odia entertainment. His songs will continue to play in homes, theatres, and headphones, reminding listeners of a composer who poured emotion, sincerity, and creativity into every note.
Music historians and critics believe his contribution will be studied and celebrated for years to come, particularly for how he helped expand the musical vocabulary of Ollywood during a pivotal phase in its evolution.
As tributes continue to pour in, one sentiment echoes across generations of fans and colleagues alike: Odisha has lost not just a talented musician, but a cultural torchbearer whose melodies became the soundtrack of countless lives.
May Abhijit Majumdar’s soul rest in peace, and may his music continue to inspire long after the final note has faded.
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