MY music will tell you more about me than I ever will.
This was the sentiment of local kirtan artist Praneel Prakash Charan who has been singing for nearly two decades now.
Prakash’s love for kirtan began when he was in class six through his father Ram Charan — “SP Boy” — who himself was a musician. Prakash, 28, liked playing harmonium and his interest in the music industry grew further after the release of his first album in 2011.
So far, he has released five volume albums, the latest earlier this year.
“My parents have been really supportive throughout my career,” said Prakash.
“My mandali, Naudhristi Ramayan Mandali and my Southern Satsang Boys (SSB) group have been really supportive. There are about 15 boys in the SSB group who have been my pillar of strength during the competitions I’ve participated in.”
Prakash’s first competition was against Atish Narayan in 2010 and since then he has taken part in various events.
His latest event was last Saturday in Nausori where he took part in a three corner kirtan to raise money towards a four-year-old girl’s medical operation in India.
“Our group also does a lot of voluntary and fundraising events for people in need,” he added.
“Last Saturday our group not only took part in the competition but also provided sound system and DJ during the night. We do not charge for events like this as all the boys co-operate in the event to raise money.”
Prakash’s interest is not only in kirtan but also owns a company called Professional Sounds and DJ. He usually uses his own equipment at his events.
“I owe majority of my success to my wife (Rachna Prakash). She manages my DJ business which comes as a big relief to me as it is not easy. “She also supported me in my career as a singer.”
The former Assemblies of God student said he and his group of boys start practice three weeks before any event and twice every week.
Prakash is formerly a production worker for AJS designs and writes all his kirtan.
He said all musical artists should love their work but never show pride about their talent.
According to Prakash, it is his humility that has kept him going for all these years and they had been able to make a name for themselves in the field of kirtan sangeet.
He said he had learnt a lot in the past 10 years from his competitors and other musical artists which helped him become a better artist.
Prakash’s next competition is scheduled for October this year.
