Rafiqul Alam reminisces old times
Known for his playback and adhunik songs, celebrated musician and Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Rafiqul Alam has been a powerful presence in the Bangladeshi music industry for decades. Recently, on a candid chat with The Daily Star, the artiste looks back at his memorable experiences.
"My first performance on radio was in Rajshahi. I sang the Rabindra Sangeet, Jay Niye Jay, Amay Niye Jay," shares Rafiqul Alam. "Back then, some of my friends in West Bengal praised my performance."
Alam's journey with radio is an integral part of his career. His song, Tomake Jeno Bhule Na Jai, garnered him immense popularity, while Sojoni Nishi Pohailo was the first song he recorded for BTV.
Joining Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra was undoubtedly a turning point in the singer's life. "I am honoured to contribute to the independence of Bangladesh," says Alam. Back then, he produced five different songs at Shadhin Bangla Betar, and sang one of them as well. The experiences of meeting with several renowned artistes, including Zahir Raihan, shaped the singer's values in life.
His journey in playback singing begin with the song, Ektu Jodi Aj Neshai Holo in the Satya Saha film, Otithi, featuring Razzak.
"Razzak was a superstar back then. During the rehearsal, the number of cameras and musicians as well as the cast and crew, made me very nervous," Alam shares.
After the recording, everyone came up to Alam and congratulated him on the successful rehearsal. "Satya Saha, Razzak and Mohammad Ali Siddiqui lauded my work that day," he says.
After the hit song Boishakhi Megher Kache came out, Alam never looked back. Director Dilip Shome recorded this song for his film Smriti Tumi Bedona. Ek Hridoyhinar Kache Hridoyer Daam Ki Ache is arguably his most popular song till date.
"I remember getting hundreds of heartfelt letters from fans when I worked at Bangla Academy," says the singer. Alam, along with poets Rafiq Azad, Nirmalendu Goon and many others used to gather around in the book shops of New Market for chats.
"My first overseas performance was in Bangkok, in a programme arranged by Bangladesh Biman. Abida Sultana and I performed a Thai song together, and our performance was well-received," reminisces Alam. "Such experiences have truly enriched my life."
Comments