"Bangla songs belong to the Kirtan Gharana"-- Anup Bhattacharya

Anup Bhattacharya

Born in 1944 in Sylhet, Anup displayed keen interest in music right from his childhood. He took the basic lessons of music under Guru Khirodlal Ray in 1952 and later under Shamsuddin. Popular musician Haripado Das of North Bengal had also been Anup's teacher for five years. During the Liberation War, he joined the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK). He composed two songs for SBBK:Sharey Shat Koti Shochchar Swar and Chhutre Shobai Bandh Bhanga Ban.

Anup became popular by composing the tune of Boishakhi Megher Kachhey Jal Cheye Tumi Kandbey rendered by Rafiqul Alam in 1976. His hit songs, including Shukpakhirey and Dhar Aj Amra, were rendered by Mitali Mukharjee in the late 1970s. Among the songs inspired by the spirit of the Language Movement, Anup composed the tune of Natey gachh muray na and Ora chhobi ankar pathshalatey, written by Abid Anwar and Kanhopa thekey Lalon Phakir by Rafiquzzaman.

At 61, Anup still performs with passion. As he says, "Music is my religion. When I concentrate on reaz four-hours a day, music begins to resonate in my heart and I feel an incomparable ecstasy."

Anup is however very disappointed with the current trend of music. To quote him, " Music has become visual now and the music companies promote cheap songs only to boost their business."

According to Anup, "Instead of recording with the entire musical back ups, track recording has been introduced. The trend of reaz is also no more a must for the singers. This leads to decrease of quality vocalists. To check such disorder, there should be a censorship in music. The government television and radio can play a vital role here. However, the popular trend of remaking and re-mixing songs proves that people still admire songs of yesteryears."

About the style of his composition Anup says, "When I tune a song I try to feel the essence of the lyrics and start to work on it with a harmonium. I usually blend classical tunes with modern ones. I am extremely influenced by Tagore songs because Rabindranath has created the timeless tunes that are borne inside the hearts of Bangalees.

He thinks that there many be many gharanas of songs in different genres, but Bangla songs belong to only one gharana and that is kirtan, which he considers nearest to his heart. He added, 'My raison-de-etre is to present the songs well and follow a style befitting the time. I follow this rule in both rendering and composing the songs. I also want my listeners to appreciate my songs and give them a place in their hearts."