[🇧🇩] Music Industry

[Bilal9]

Asif Akbar on his way to debut in Bollywood

Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar lately demonstrated his versatility by venturing into Bollywood songs. Recently, he journeyed to India and recorded a track at AR Rahman's KM Studio and Yash Raj Studio. Taking to social media, he excitedly announced his debut in the Indian film industry, although...

www.thedailystar.net

Asif Akbar on his way to debut in Bollywood

View attachment 5701
Photo: Collected

Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar lately demonstrated his versatility by venturing into Bollywood songs. Recently, he journeyed to India and recorded a track at AR Rahman's KM Studio and Yash Raj Studio. Taking to social media, he excitedly announced his debut in the Indian film industry, although he kept the film's name under wraps.

He wrote on social media, "Alhamdulillah. I have graced the Bollywood film industry, proudly hoisting the flag of my beloved Bangladesh. With the greatness of the Almighty and boundless love, my journey continues ceaselessly."

Apart from Asif, several other Bangladeshi singers have also lent their voices to Bollywood films by singing Hindi songs. Notably, their songs have gained popularity. This proves time and again that music knows no bounds.

Runa Laila's name is at the top of the list of Bangladeshi playback singers in Bollywood. Runa first lent her voice to an item song in the 1976 film "Ek Se Badhkar Ek" composed by the famous music directors Kalyanji and Anandji.

Later, she collaborated with Bhupinder Singh to perform the song "Do Deewane Shaher Mein" for the film "Gharonda".

The song "Maar Gaye Re" from the film "Jaan-E-Bahaar" sung by Runa Laila with Mohammad Rafi gained popularity as well.

In addition to the aforementioned songs, Runa Laila also lent her voice to several other popular Bollywood tracks, including "O Mera Babu Chhail Chhabila" (1977), "Sapnon Ka Mandir" (1978), "Aye Dilwale Aao" (1980) and "Kaho Sakhi Kaho" (1982).

Andrew Kishore, a well-known Bangladeshi singer, was also recognised for his playback singing in Hindi movies, including compositions by the iconic R D Burman.

He entered Bollywood in 1986, offering his vocals for the Bengali-Indian collaboration "Shatru", helmed by Promod Chakraborty. The film's music was composed by none other than the renowned R D Burman, further elevating Andrew Kishore's involvement in the project.

Kishore's contribution to the film's soundtrack was significant, and his songs resonated with audiences across Bangladesh and India. While his Bollywood career was relatively brief, his involvement in "Shatru" marked a notable collaboration between two musical giants from Bangladesh and India.The songs "Suresh Chanda" and "Mein Teri Bismil Hu", penned by lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, captivated audiences with their heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics.

Mahfuz Anam James, a Bangladeshi artiste, made his debut singing "Bheegi Bheegi Raton Mein" in the Bollywood movie "Gangster" in 2005. The track, composed by Pritam and directed by Anurag Basu, garnered immense popularity amongst audiences.

Following that success, James lent his vocals to tracks like "Alvida", "Rishte", and "Chal Chal Apne Ghar" in the movies "O Lamhe" (2006) and "Life in a Metro" (2007). He further showcased his talent by singing "Bebasi" for the film "Warning" in 2013.

Continuing the legacy set by James, another Bangladesh singer, Asif Akbar, has now carved out a niche for himself in Bollywood playback singing. Audiences are eagerly anticipating the release of his latest track.​

I hear this guy Asif Akbar is one of the very few who did not succumb to political pressure under Hasina. I believe he is from Cumilla area.

 

[Bilal9]

Music icons to unite to honour Shafin Ahmed’s legacy

A tribute concert titled “Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend” has been organised to commemorate the legacy of the late band icon Shafin Ahmed. Set to take place on February 13 at Aloki in Tejgaon, Dhaka, the event will feature performances by fellow musicians in his honour.

www.thedailystar.net

Music icons to unite to honour Shafin Ahmed’s legacy

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Photo: Star

A tribute concert titled "Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend" has been organised to commemorate the legacy of the late band icon Shafin Ahmed. Set to take place on February 13 at Aloki in Tejgaon, Dhaka, the event will feature performances by fellow musicians in his honour.

Shafin Ahmed had travelled to the United States for a concert last year but never returned home. Before a scheduled performance in Virginia on July 20, he fell ill and was admitted to the hospital. After two days on life support, he passed away on July 24.

Nearly seven months since his passing, the concert aims to celebrate his enduring musical legacy.

The tribute concert "Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend" will feature a performance by Miles, the band with which Shafin Ahmed became a household name as its lead vocalist.

Alongside Miles, the concert will also include performances by Feedback, Dalchhut, Artcell, AvoidRafa, and rapper OZ, among others.

In addition to the musical performances, memorabilia related to Shafin Ahmed will be displayed during the event, and a documentary video highlighting his life and career will be screened.

Following Shafin Ahmed's passing, activity on his Facebook page had come to a standstill. However, last Thursday, his family issued a statement on the page, announcing that it would now regularly share Shafin Ahmed's songs and memories from different moments of his life.

Just a day after this announcement, the page also shared the news of the tribute concert being organised in his memory.

The Facebook post detailing the concert stated, "An unforgettable evening has been arranged to honour the life and illustrious career of Bangladesh's true music icon, Shafin Ahmed. 'Echoes of a Legend' is not just a concert dedicated to him; it is an event that will highlight his unparalleled contributions to the world of rock and pop music."

The "Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend" concert is being organised by Velvet Events. Ticket sales have already begun on the Get Set Rock website, with two categories available—VIP tickets priced at Tk 3,000 and Regular tickets at Tk 1,500.

The event will take place on February 13, starting at 9pm, while gates will open for the audience at 6pm.​

Shafin was a dedicated rocker, but I guess drugs and alcohol did him in. Hard to escape these in the music industry. His brother Hamin had some differences of opinion with him towards the end of his life. Anyways - not to speak ill of the departed...

I had met both brothers over multiple occasions when they came to perform in LA.

 

[Bilal9]

Kabir Suman wants Islamic burial for himself

Prominent Indian singer-songwriter, politician, and cultural personality Kabir Suman has withdrawn his decision to donate his body after death, a commitment he made nearly four years ago. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the renowned musician wrote, "Ramadan Mubarak. I want to inform everyone

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Kabir Suman wants Islamic burial for himself
UNB
Published :
Mar 05, 2025 23:26
Updated :
Mar 05, 2025 23:26

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Prominent Indian singer-songwriter, politician, and cultural personality Kabir Suman has withdrawn his decision to donate his body after death, a commitment he made nearly four years ago.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the renowned musician wrote, "Ramadan Mubarak. I want to inform everyone that some time ago, I announced on Facebook that I had donated my body and did not wish for any religious funeral rites. After much thought, I have changed my decision. I am withdrawing my wish to donate my body."

He added, "I want to be buried in Kolkata, preferably in Gobra, following Islamic traditions. This is my final decision, and I have informed some of my close relatives."

Suman also made it clear that he does not want any criticism or opinions regarding his decision. "I do not want any comments or opinions on this announcement," he wrote.

The singer, born in a Hindu Brahmin family in India's Odisha on March 16, 1949, as Suman Chattopadhyay, gained immense popularity in the 1990s for introducing a unique musical style blending poetry with melody.

In 2000, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Kabir Suman, clarifying that he took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a Bengali Muslim poet who wrote 'Baishnab Padabali.'

His groundbreaking album 'Tomake Chai,' released in April 1992, revolutionised Bengali music. Since then, the singer has remained a celebrated figure in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.

Beyond music, he was also involved in politics, supporting Mamata Banerjee during the Nandigram and Singur movements. He later became a Member of Parliament from Jadavpur under the Trinamool Congress but eventually parted ways with the party due to ideological differences.

Kabir Suman has maintained a deep connection with Bangladesh, which began with his first visit to Dhaka in 1996 to perform at a fundraising concert for the Liberation War Museum. Since 2000, he has been married to the iconic Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin.

More recently, Dhaka hosted a special event titled "Tomake Chai-er 30 Bochor Udjapon" to celebrate 30 years of his iconic album 'Tomake Chai'.​

He went back to Kolkata - but he has plenty of narrow minded detractors there, now that he is Muslim. He should come back to Dhaka and be part of the scene here, teaching music and composition to younger people.

He was married to Sabina Yasmin in the early 2000s (before he accepted Islam), I believe they got divorced.

 

[Saif]

He went back to Kolkata - but he has plenty of narrow minded detractors there, now that he is Muslim. He should come back to Dhaka and be part of the scene here, teaching music and composition to younger people.

He was married to Sabina Yasmin in the early 2000s (before he accepted Islam), I believe they got divorced.

Yes, they got divorced. Good to see a musician from West Bengal with a good heart

 

[Saif]

BTV’s ‘Band show’ brings together 13 bands

Thirteen popular bands will be coming together for the Eid special musical programme “Band Show”. They will perform all of their hit songs which are still raw in the audience's heart.

www.thedailystar.net

BTV’s ‘Band show’ brings together 13 bands

Photo: Courtesy of BTV

Thirteen popular bands will be coming together for the Eid special musical programme "Band Show". They will perform all of their hit songs which are still raw in the audience's heart.

Bands like Chirkutt, Ark, Different Touch, Obscure, Orbit, and Feedback will take the stage during Eid day at 7pm. This episode is hosted by Salsabil Labonno and produced by Nasir Uddin.

On the second day of Eid at 7pm, Miles will perform under the production of Shahriar Mohammad Hasan. Their set will feature popular songs such as "Chand Tara", "Nila", "Priyotoma Megh", "Dhiki Dhiki", "Phiriye Dao", and "Dorodiya". Momrej Mahmood will host this episode.

On the third day of Eid at 7pm, Symphony, Shubhojatra, Rock and Melody, Natai, Pentagon, and Reshad and Q will perform. Produced by Abdullah Al Mamun, the episode will be hosted by Srabonno Towhida.​

 

[Bilal9]

This piece of folk composition highlights the ethno-linguistic diversity in Bangladesh, which includes various non-Muslim minority groups and cultures making the hill tracts and Northern mountains their home. In this case - the ethnicity is Marma and the drummers are Manipuri. The recurring refrain is "Hey I know I can get you - I bet!"

 

[Bilal9]

Oldie but a goodie - Bengali lyrics on a Samba inspired track at 2 AM....

 

[Bilal9]

And this one - just another East-West fusion track

 

[Bilal9]

And this one written by Nazrul is a Bengali standard

 

[Bilal9]

One from the late 90s by Fuad - a modern take from Mr. Burman's classic from the 1930's...Press play