Mohan Upreti is one of the most popular figures in the Kumaon region. A man of various niches, he has worked as a playwright, music composer, and folk artist as well. He has been passionate about art ever since the beginning.
Born in the beautiful hill station of Almora, he completed his early education from there. In the early 40’s he traveled and preserved all the old folk tunes, instruments, and songs to be passed on to the future generation.
He established the Parvatiya Kala Kendra to promote Kumaoni folk music, culture and literature and to bring it into national recognition. The theatre culture got back its life here in Uttarakhand due to his constant efforts.
His play ‘Indra Sabha,’ which he wrote while working as a faculty member in the National School of Drama, New Delhi, gave him much appreciation.
His musical composition ‘Bedu Pako Baru Maasa’ is still a hit amongst every Kumaoni wedding or occasion. It was used by Coca-Cola commercials as well. It is also the marching song of the Kumaon Regiment.
In his honor, Parvatiya Kala Kendra presents a new play on his birth anniversary. The legend took his last breath in 1997, New Delhi.
His legacy is still preserved in the form of his Biography, Mohan Upreti – The man and his art, written by Diwan Singh.
He is a legend who is gone but never forgotten as his art would live forever with us.