Bangladesh’s rock icon James celebrates his birthday today

To some, he is "Guru", to others the "Nagar Baul". But whatever the label, rock legend James shrugs it off with his signature nonchalance. With a guitar in hand, he often tells fans, "Tomraai amar jaan, tomraai amar praan" ["You are my life, you are my soul"]. That simple honesty is what makes him so beloved.

Today, Faruq Mahfuz Anam (James) marked his 61st birthday. Known across South Asia as the Nagar Baul, he remains one of the most influential figures in Bangladeshi rock music.

Born in Naogaon in 1964 and raised in Chattogram, James's journey into music was far from smooth. Coming from a conservative family, he often faced opposition and at one point even left home, moving into Aziz Boarding in Chattogram, where his career began to take shape.

In 1980, he formed his first band, "Feelings", which went on to release the classic debut album "Station Road" in 1987. A year later, James became a household name with his solo album "Ononna". Over the years, he released several hit albums, including "Jail Theke Bolchhi" (1990), "Nagar Baul" (1996), "Lace Fita Lace" (1998), "Collection of Feelings" (1999), "Dushtu Cheler Dol" (2001), and "Bijli" (2007). His solo catalogue also features timeless works such as "Palabi Kothay" (1995), "Dukhini Dukh Korona" (1997), "Thik Ache Bondhu" (1999), "Ami Tomaderi Lok" (2003), "Janata Express" (2005), "Toofan" (2006), and "Kal Jamuna" (2009).

James's fame spread beyond Bangladesh when he entered Bollywood. In 2005, he sang "Bheegi Bheegi" for the film Gangster, a track that topped the Bollywood charts for over a month. He followed with hits in "Life in a… Metro" (2007), including Rishta and Alvida, cementing his international reputation. His last major film contribution came in 2017 with "Tumi Premete Andho Ami" for the film "Satta", which earned the National Film Award in Bangladesh.

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Often hailed as the face of Bangladeshi rock, James is celebrated for songs such as "Bangladesh", "Jail Theke Ami Bolchhi", "Ma", "Dukhini Dukh Korona", "Lace Fita Lace", "Baba Koto Din", "Bijli", "Dushtu Cheler Dol", "Pagla Hawa", and "Guru Ghor Banaila Ki Diya".

From his early struggles to his rise as a South Asian rock icon, James continues to embody the very spirit of Bangladeshi rock music.