Mukund Nayak


Mukund Nayak, is an Indian artist. He is a folk singer, songwriter and dancer. Nayak is an exponent of nagpuri folk dance Jhumar. He is recipient of the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Early life and background

He was born in Bokba village of Simdega district, Bihar in 1949. He belongs to a family of Ghasi community, who are traditionally musicians. He earned his B.A. at Deogarh Vidyapith.

Career

With aim to preserve traditional folk arts,
Mukund Nayak had started performing songs in public places with other cultural activist like Bharat Nayak, Bhavya Nayak, Praful Kumar Rai, Lal Ranvir Nath Shahdeo and Kshitij Kumar. In 1974, he joined Akashvani as performer. His first performance at larger audience was at Jaganathpur Mela in Ranchi. In 1980, when regional and tribal language department formed in Ranchi University, he became associated with the University. In 1981, he came in contact with Dr Carol Merry Baby researcher on Karam music of South Bihar and got a chance to work with her. In 1988, his troupe performed at the third "Hong Kong International Dance festival" of The Hong Kong Institute for the Promotion of Chinese Culture. In 1985, he established an organisation "Kunjban" to promote Nagpuri culture. Kunjban promotes Nagpuri culture, especially Nagpuri Jhumar.

Filmography

Awards and honors