Rahul Ananda

Rahul Ananda seen in the play Lee

The budding talent from Sylhet joined the theatrical group Aaranyak in 1995. In 1997 he along with some of his friends established Prachyanut and from then on began composing music for his group.

Rahul pointed out that, 'After establishing a new group I was forced to compose music for my group, as there was no other alternative. But, just after my first composition in the play Koinnya, I received a favourable response. And from then on, I have come forth with a new identity. However, I still dream of establishing myself as an actor.'

Recalling his early days, Rahul said, 'I learnt music from my family. I can play all types of traditional folk instruments like flute, ektara, dotara, doogi, khol and others. But, the flute is my passion. Ustad Bari Siddiqui is my flute mentor. I am trained in the violin, guitar and other western instruments as well. Meanwhile, I am trying to play cornet also.'

'From my childhood I had a passion to collect musical instruments. I have introduced many musical instruments like gilabada, which is like a shaker and I could successfully use it in the play Koinnya. I have used bambaroo in the play Gondar. I got the idea of this instrument from an Australian tribe named Diggirigu. This is made from the hollow parts of a tree bark. I have made similar instrument- bambaroo- from bamboo. In Gondar I have created a primitive atmosphere through sound effect of bambaroo.' Rahul said.

Recently, he took part in the Edinburgh festival, Scotland. Rahul said, 'I went there as a resident visitor artiste invited by Edinburgh Mela, an organisation of the people of Indian subcontinent. I took part in two workshops there- one on 'Decorative Art and Theatre Puppet' and the other one on music. I played Irish flute and percussion with their orchestra. In the festival, I also composed three tunes based on raga Eman titled 'Boatmen in the River', 'Pink Moon Lit Night' and 'Dark Moon Lit Night' which was broadcast by BBC Radio.'

Rahul is currently a busy background music composer for the TV dramas. Rahul said, 'My song Ure Chola Megh in the play Lee has got huge popularity. I am now composing background music in mega serial Sporsher Baire. Moreover, I have composed music in many single episode plays.'

MA student of IFA (Institute of Fine Arts) Rahul is also a stage playwright, director and props designer. He hopes to emerge as a bold theatre actor in future.