Azam Khan’s birth anniversary today
Today marks the 71st birthday of the legendary pop guru, Azam Khan. He was born in Azimpur on this day in 1950.
The name 'guru' surfaced as a result of the love for him which was very well deserved and befitting. His songs were synonymous to youth's exuberance. Millions of youngsters were inspired by his songs.
He was a freedom fighter. He clutched onto weapons and fought during our liberation war. Before setting out for the war his father told him, "Go to the war if you will, but do not return if you are not victorious." He returned, triumphant. He was one of the many freedom fighters, a guerilla fighter.
Azam Khan was also seen on the silver screen as an actor. Despite his minimal appearance, he earned a very good reputation and popularity.
Cricket was another of his passion and engrossment. He would play himself, and always be drawn towards the game whenever there would be a match.
The pop-guru also partook in advertisements as a model as well.
Azam Khan is considered the pioneer in respect of band music in Bangladesh. As a dominant figure, his contribution to the national band music industry is a profusion.
He produced many hit songs. He must have moved on but his music remains amidst us and to this day, his songs are sung by the youths with great enthusiasm. Songs of Azam Khan which people sing till date and keep him alive are Orey Shakela Orey Makela, Rail Liner Oi Bostitey, Alal O Dulal, Obhimani, Onamika and Ashi Ashi Bole, among many others.
He had his first concert on BTV in 1972 immediately after the Liberation War, where he sang Ato Shundor Duniya Kichu Robe Na Rey and Char Kalema Shakhhi Debe. It was the inception of his ever-lasting popularity.
He performed Rain Liner Oi Bostite in 1974 through BTV, and in the wake of its lyrics he gained immense recognition; the public grappled onto it.
Post the war, he established the band Uchcharon along with his friends. It is considered to be one of the first Bangla rock bands ever.
Popular artist Firoz Shai was his neighbor, and by virtue of his network, Azam Khan was introduced to and familiarized himself with Fakir Alamgir, Ferdous Wahid and Pilu Momtaz; this bunch performed on many songs together.
In the 80s, Azam Khan debuted his first audio cassette -- Ak Juug. Computing his solos, mixed and duet, he gifted almost 25 albums to his fans in total.
In the end, he was a man of music; he was consumed by music and it was his life and his passion lied in cricket but it was music that kept him alive.
Owing to his contribution in the music industry, he was awarded with Ekushey Padak.
Translated by Sadia Tahsin
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