SURENDRA NAIK (SURU) : A Torchbearer of Folk Art and Passion
My earliest memory of cinema traces back to Haathi Mere Saathi. At that time, I hardly recognized the actors or understood the storyline. It was only after watching Amar Akbar Anthony that I began to identify the stars and connect with their performances. In the early 1980s, Mithun Chakraborty rose to prominence with blockbuster films like Disco Dancer, Dance Dance, and Wardat. His style became a trend across the country, and in our small town of Sundargarh, his fans mimicked his signature hairstyle and dance moves.
Among them, one name stood out—Surendra Naik, affectionately known as Suru. His ability to emulate Mithun’s dance style was nothing short of perfection. During Durga Puja processions, when few dared to dance or sing in public, Suru would steal the spotlight. He wasn’t just a performer; he was a phenomenon. The streets would come alive when he danced, and people from all corners would gather to watch him. He was not only a dancer but also a gifted singer, a true cultural gem of Sundargarh soil.
Art blossoms through dedication, and Suru’s journey exemplifies this. A native of Sunaripada in Sundargarh, Surendra Naik has devoted his life to the world of performing arts. He played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the Sambalpuri Anusthan Kalamandir Orchestra, a well-known and long-standing cultural institution of the region. His relentless passion and commitment helped Kalamandir earn its reputation as a hub of local talent.
In 1989, Suru stepped beyond the boundaries of his hometown and joined Odisha’s celebrated orchestra, Habib Melody, based in Cuttack. This move marked a turning point in his career, bringing his talent to a wider audience. Between 1994 and 1995, he served as the lead singer for Tarini Gananatya, a popular folk theatre troupe, showcasing his artistry through powerful and melodious performances.
Over the years, he has mesmerized audiences at Lok Mahotsavs and various cultural festivals across the state. His renditions of classics like "Jeena Yahaan Marna Yahaan", "Dum Dum Diga Diga", and the iconic Sambalpuri song "Rangabati" during Rourkela’s Sar Rangaree Boita Bandana program left crowds enthralled till the late hours of the night.
In a personal conversation, I once asked Suru whether he saw himself more as a singer or a dancer. With a soft smile, he expressed that his heart always belonged to dance. However, due to the lack of mentorship and support in his formative years, he couldn't fully realize that dream. Yet, at the age of 65, his energy remains undiminished, his spirit still dances to the rhythm of his passion.
Surendra Naik is a self-made artist, a symbol of perseverance and raw talent. He continues to inspire, entertain, and remind us of the power of dedication in keeping art alive. May he continue to shine on stage and in our hearts for many more years to come.
Wishing this remarkable performer all the very best.
By-Sanjay Pattnayak
Sundargarh
