Odia Music / This Is What Humane Sagar Told Jyotirmayee Nayak Long Before Indian Idol

Bhubaneswar, Aug 3: Fresh off her historic victory in Indian Idol Season 16, Odisha's singing sensation Jyotirmayee Nayak paid an emotional tribute to late Odia playback singer Humane Sagar, recalling their memorable collaborations and the encouragement he gave her early in her career.

'Humane Bhai Believed in Me'
In an exclusive podcast with Argus Digital Editor Sangram Sarangi, Jyotirmayee reflected on her bond with Humane Sagar, describing him as the first singer with whom she recorded a romantic duet in the Odia music industry.

When Sarangi remarked that Humane Sagar would have been proud to witness her success, Jyotirmayee became emotional while reminiscing about their musical journey together.

"Humane bhai was the first singer with whom I had sung a romantic duet in the Odia industry," she said.

She recalled that every song they recorded together struck a chord with audiences.

"Whether it was 'Chori Chori Chandini' or 'Janha Mamu Ra Bhaniji', all the songs I sang with him became viral. One of our songs, 'To Prema Barnabodha', garnered 50 million views. Achieving that many views in an Odia-speaking state with a population of around 4.5 crore is a huge milestone," she said.

'He Always Said I Would Flourish'
Jyotirmayee also shared how Humane Sagar had immense faith in her talent long before she gained nationwide recognition.

"He always used to say that Jyotirmayee has unique potential. She will flourish at the right time," she recalled.

'His Death Felt Personal'
The singer revealed that she was in Mumbai when news of Humane Sagar's death reached her.

"When Humane bhai died, I was not in Odisha. I was in Mumbai. When I got to know about his demise, it felt like a personal loss," she said.

Also Read: She Couldn't Sing Once... Now She's India's New Idol! Meet Odisha's Jyotirmayee Nayak

A Journey Beyond Playback Singing
Long before lifting the Indian Idol 16 trophy, Jyotirmayee had established herself as a recognised playback singer in the Odia music industry. Besides performing, she is also a trained music therapist, using music-based healing to work with cancer patients and expecting mothers.

Her triumph on the national stage marks another milestone in a career that began in Odisha and has now earned acclaim across the country.

It can be mentioned here that popular Odia singer Humane Sagar, 36, passed away on November 17, 2025, at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. He had been battling alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, along with pneumonia and dilated cardiomyopathy.