<p>Junjappa, the hit song from the film <em>Vedha,</em> 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.</p><p>His success in films comes as no surprise. Mohan is widely credited with popularising janapada (folk music) among a larger audience.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Mohan Kumar’s story is as extraordinary as the art he is striving to keep alive.</p>
