Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 4 Num 250 Mon. February 09, 2004  
   
Culture


Music musings
Conversation with Lucky Aakhandh
A gifted music composer


My ancestors came from Iran. The Aakhandhs are basically followers of Sufism who educate people with songs and poems. My father had a deep passion for music and my initial training started in the family. But I have no mentor in music as such. I have learnt the "major key" and "minor key" concepts all by myself,' says Lucky.

The man who introduced diversity in music composition during the late-'60s, in the traditional Aadhunik Gaan (modern music) is Lucky Aakhandh. Along with his brother Happy Aakhandh and friends, he contributed greatly to the musical arena of our country.

Lucky is now busy with his newly established music-studio. He is composing songs for himself as well as for others. In doing so, he is facing many problems that many composers in Bangladesh usually do. 'Financial problem is the major hurdle' says Lucky. 'Very few people in Bangladesh like to give logistic support for creative work. However, many of the producers do not want to promote the talented and are often motivated by jealousy.'

Moreover, the production companies force the composers to create a popular album somehow or the other. They do not bother about the quality of the composition. Usually, these producers cannot justify the value of the songs properly, nor can they specifically say which will be a hit. Quality albums as such are released seldom in the country. As a result, any album might become popular nowadays.' He adds, 'Earlier, a music composer didn't have to face these types of problems. They had enough time to concentrate more on quality productions '

Lucky is very much realistic about the present scenario of the music sector in Bangladesh. He says, 'Publicity is very important for an album to gain popularity. Media has a very important role to play in this aspect. I believe, my most popular composition Aabar Elo Je Shondhya has got enough popularity as it was used in a film and in many TV plays. Kobita Porar Porhor Eshayche, Mamunia, Eyi Nil Monihaar, Agey Jodee Jantaam are a few of my compositions which gained popularity as well. But, I feel that I have composed equivalent tunes in other songs also. However, those have not been so much popular, as these songs have not been telecast regularly. The rate of telecasting should be reduced to promote the singers and the makers of videos.'

He thinks that due to lack of knowledge in music, very few music composers can properly handle 'fusion' in music, in the sub-continent. To enrich his practical knowledge in music, Lucky aims to go to Canada within a short time. He says, 'I like to know more about the modern technologies that have been introduced in music. I think Canada can be a suitable place for me to fulfil my desire. I will come to Bangladesh quite often to add something new to the rich musical heritage of Bangladesh. Before going to Canada, I'd like to establish a music-studio and a music school. I have already started my project and I'd like to promote the young talents through my work. Firstly, I would like to work on folk songs, Tagore songs and Nazrul songs, which have a philosophical touch in the lyrics. I believe if I can blend some western instruments with these rich lyrics and tunes the result will be something special. And it will not be like what the typical band music composers are doing in Bangladesh. I think Metal and Rock music do not go well with our culture.'

In world music, Lucky considers the Russians to be the richest. He also appreciates the Germans, Latin Americans, and Spanish. He thinks the Americans are not doing anything remarkable yet.

Lucky's favourite composers are R D Burman, S D Burman, Nawshad, Salil Chowdhury, Hemanta Mukhyapadhyay, Scottish composer Al Stewart, Yaani, Govi from Germany, Billy Jewels, Santana and Spanish Armick.

Two remarkable awards that Lucky has won--one as the champion in the 'Aadhunik Gaan and Classical Music Competition' in '69 and the other as the best music director for his composition in the film Guddi--still inspire Lucky Aakhandh to create more, despite all types of obstacles.

Picture
Lucky Aakhandh performing with his band.