“I hardly have a proper day off”

Sabbir Zaman came to nationwide attention with his debut in musical talent show Close Up 1, and from then on there has been no stopping the young and talented singer. Now with playback singing as well as album recordings in his repertoire, the artiste is also a musical director and composer. Sabbir shared with The Daily Star other tidbits about his life.

What is your average weekend like?

Sabbir: Our days off are quite unusual as we have musical programmes scheduled on days when people have weekends. We usually carve out free time during weekdays, but as I am involved in musical direction as well as composing and singing, I hardly have a proper day off.  Usually after three or four months, we get to relax for a few days during which I like taking my family to Chittagong.  However if there are stage shows to attend to, we have to work on them. We work to entertaining the public, and so we enjoy working immensely even when we are busy.

What is your favourite breakfast food?

Sabbir: It would be paratha and beef bhuna. I know it is unhealthy, but it's my favourite!

Did you always want to be a musician/singer?

Sabbir: My entire background is embedded in music, and my family has been musicians for generations. So it had always been obvious that I must study well, and practice music with fervour. However for a brief period when I was doing SSCs, I had wanted to be a professional cricket player as I was quite passionate about the sport. My education background has nothing to do with my career as I had studied software engineering, as well as an MBA.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Sabbir: “Chokher Dekha” was the last film I saw recently, directed by PA Kajol. I had sung two of the songs in the film.

What has been the proudest moment in your career?

Sabbir: This is a tough one to answer, as every day I learn new things and experience new moments. But Closeup 1 had been a turning point in my career, as it brought me national recognition.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

Sabbir: I would pick tea over coffee.

What goals would you like to accomplish in the future?

Sabbir: The sad reality in our country is that musicians don't have opportunities to thrive in their career. Many artistes are forced take up other professions in order to survive. But music is my sole profession, and I would like to create compositions to leave behind as my legacy, and be remembered in them for generations to come.