SHILLONG, May 21: Meghalaya on Friday lost a gem in the sphere of music as Rana Kharkongor, an accomplished Khasi singer-songwriter, passed away at NEIGRIHMS. He was 69.
He had tested positive for COVID-19 after being admitted to NEIGRIHMS Sunday last.
A noted artiste and a singer known for his courage to pioneer audio productions, Kharkongor was a natural lyricist when it came to Khasi language and a brilliant live performer. He is also responsible for originating and producing as many as 27 audio albums.
He started singing in 1973 at the studios of All India Radio (AIR), Shillong, and later earned ‘Grade A’ from AIR.
During the later part of his life, Kharkongor ventured into other art forms such as music direction, script and screenplay writing, film direction as well as production. The hills of Shillong are alive with the music of Bah Rana, as he is popularly known across households in the Khasi Hills.
He was also featured in POP TIME Programme National DD Metro with Indian playback singer Usha Uthup in the year 1986.
Few of his works in from the musical days include Jingkieng Ksiar Volume 1, 2 and 3 (1983), On Stage (1983), Best of Jingkieng Ksiar (1984), Balei ia nga (1985), Lashai dei ka Mynta (1986), Special Collection (1986). The Pioneer (1987), Nga ju kynmaw (1990), Top Hits of Jingkieng Ksiar (1991), Ngam long marwei (1993), Ngan jam shakhmat (1995), Star of 22 Hits (1995), 24 Non Stop (1995), Rana & Usha (1995), LTC Hikai ia u A (1996), Junom (1996), LTC Nongpyniap (1997), Ummat u Tirot Sing (1997), Star of 2000 (2000), Golden Sentimental Tang Sur Jingrwai (2003), Rock Collection (2004), Rangli (2005) and Adona (2004).
From the world of music, Kharkongor has successfully crossed over to producing movie visuals. His achievements include musical video in the albums Stage (1983), Balei ia nga (1986), Kam Banse ka thom (1990), Nga ju kynmaw (1990), Rangli (2005), Kak-shi-kak (2008) and Adona (2009).
As a film director, Kharkongor has directed a music video titled I Love My India, produced and performed by Bantei Mylliempdah in the year 2003. He has also directed the first video film in Jaintia Hills titled Nga la Bakla, produced by Phidalia Toi in 1988.
He was conferred with the Mondon Bareh Award in 2003 and the Meghalaya Day Award in 2006.
Earlier, another Khasi noted singer Roytre Waroh Pde (59) had passed away on May 19 after prolonged illness.
Pde had released his debut album Jadu Aiu Sha in 1988. He later released several Khasi music albums which grew very popular throughout the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
Pde was laid to rest at the Saitkhlieh Catholic Church cemetery (Marbisu Parish) on Friday.
