Junjappa, the hit song from the film Vedha, not only brought Mohan Kumar into the spotlight but also shone a light on Kannada folk culture. However, the janapada singer has been a sensation on YouTube and Facebook for much longer.
His success in films comes as no surprise. Mohan is widely credited with popularising janapada (folk music) among a larger audience.
Born into the Kadu Golla community, Mohan grew up immersed in the sounds of his elders’ songs. He describes folk music as vast and versatile, with a song for every occasion—expressing emotions, rituals, seasons, and even farming activities.
But during his lifetime, Mohan witnessed this rich musical tradition fading away. Determined to preserve it, he embarked on a remarkable journey to document the diverse forms of janapada.
Mohan Kumar’s story is as extraordinary as the art he is striving to keep alive.