A Chat With Imran
You are one of the most popular and successful singers among the audience today. Let's talk about the journey that brought you here.
I'm not sure if I can be termed as “successful” yet, but if I were to talk about my journey, Channel I's “Shera Kontho” competition back in 2008, provided me with a huge foundation, and a formal platform in the industry. I worked in the composition of my first album back in 2010, and it was there when I had the opportunity to meet Habib bhai and work on a few of his pieces. I received a lot of inspiration from him. I look up to him as my idol and I have been working exclusively with composition since 2012. Through these steps, I got to where I am today, and as for popularity and success, I will leave that for the fans to decide and concentrate on making good music.
Tell us something you have not shared before.
There was an incident back when I was in seventh grade. A certain person from my father's office asked him to bring me along to a programme at the Mohanogor Nattomoncho, as he knew I used to practice singing. It was a big event, with many big name artists in the audience, and everyone from my family was there to watch. I was excited and my father kept asking the organizers when I would be on stage, and they continued replying, “Soon.” However the show came to a close and I was not allowed the opportunity to perform. My father was very hurt by that experience. I still run into that person from his office, and he respects me now, but I find it amusing as they only respect fame and not talent. I haven't shared this story with the media before.
Aside from singing, we see many artists nowadays are working with composing. Why is that? Are they afraid of losing their popularity or their place in the industry?
I believe if an artist does his or her work tastefully, there is no risk of losing popularity. Performing good music, even if it is one song every year, can keep an artist in the industry if the work is good enough. If one is involved with low quality music, no matter how popular the artist is, they will be lost from the audience's grace. However, it does complement the vocal artists if they work with composing as it allows them more versatility in terms of work and more control over the quality of the work they do.
Nowadays you are seen more in playback performances rather than modern music. Why is that?
Film music is a big medium and the songs from movies remain with the fans for a longer time. Apart from my own work, I have also been lending my voice to other's works. I've worked in quite a few films till now, including “Musafir”, “Nilima” and “Missed Call” and they have all been good experiences. A recent experience of being able to sing with Runa Laila Ma'am is a highlight for me.
You have recently announced that you will not be working in mixed albums. Why so?
Yes, I will not be working in mixed albums as I believe it diminishes the demand for a solo artist and his work. I may consider it if it is a very good project. This will displease many of the people in the industry, but it is essential for me if I want a lasting career.
Any current projects you may be working on at the moment that fans should know about?
A music video titled “Firey Ashona” will be releasing soon, where Peya Bipasha will be seen as a model. Other than that I'm working on an album by Tahsan bhai titled “Mon Karigor.” He has performed two songs which I have composed. I'm also working on a project which will be released in the upcoming Noboborsho, and the fans have that to look forward to.
Interviewed by Zahid Akbar and
Narrated by Showbiz Desk
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