The story of Ayub Bachchu’s ‘Eksho Ta Shopno’

The six-string magician, Ayub Bachchu, would've stepped into his 62nd year if he had been alive today. A celebrated singer, songwriter and composer - The Daily Star remembers this decorated star today on his birthday, by looking back at the story of some of his beloved songs.

The writer behind some of Bachchu's most loved songs, Asif Iqbal looks back at the time he got to visit the star's residence in Chattogram. "My house is only at a distance of five minutes from Ayub Bachchu's. The first time I visited, was with Syed Monsur. That day, I left my songwriting diary at the door to the singer," continued the lyricist.

"After going through it, he selected a song called 'Shubhro Bhore Ekaki' which gained place in Bachchu's first solo album, 'Moyna' (1988). After that recognition, I've never had to look back." Asif further added, "In his acclaimed album, "Koshto" I have three songs titled, 'Bohudur Jete Hobe', 'Obak Hridoy, and 'Ekshota Shopno'".

While reminiscing about what inspired "Ekshota Shopno", Asif mentioned that he wrote the song about the shattered dreams and aspirations of a lyricist, the uncertainty that a lyricist goes through with their songs, whether anyone would want to sing or not. To his surprise, the song became a crowd-favourite.

"Bachchu Bhai once told me 'You have me to look after, take care of your studies', every time I miss him, this rings in my ear," added Asif morosely, "I don't know why he said that. Albeit on his birthday, waiting for him feels like an unanswered dream that I wrote about".

Born in Chattogram on August 16, 1962, Ayub Bachchu was a rock guitarist, composer, singer and songwriter, as well as the founder of the Bangladeshi rock band LRB. Ayub Bachchu's debut song, "Harano Bikeler Golpo," was written by Shahid Mahmud Jongi. In 1986, Bachchu's first solo album, "Roktogolap," was released.

Bachchu joined the rock band Feelings, now known as Nagar Baul, back in 1978. Later on, he joined Souls in 1980 and was involved in the band for almost a decade. On April 5, 1991, Ayub Bachchu formed LRB, abbreviation of "Love Runs Blind," and in 1992, LRB released their first album.

In his lifetime, Ayub Bachchu released a total of 16 solo albums, "Moyna" (1988), "Koshto" (1995), "Shomoy" (1998), "Eka" (1999), "Prem Tumi Ki" (2002), "Duti Mon"(2002), "Kafela" (2002), "Prem Premer Moto" (2003), "Pother Gaan" (2004), "Vatir Gaane Matir Tane" (2006), "Jibon" (2006), "Sound of Silence" (2007), "Rimjhim Brishti" (2008), "Bolini Kokhono" (2009), and "Jiboner Golpo" (2015).

LRB's solo albums include "L.R.B" (1992), "Shukh" (1993), "Tobuo" (1994), "Ghumonto Shohore" (1995), "Ferari Mon" (1996), "Amader Bishmoy" (1998), "Mon Chaile Mon Pabe" (2000), "Ochena Jibon" (2003), "Mone Ache Naki Nei" (2005), "Sporsho" (2008), and "Juddho" (2012) among others.

Ayub Bachchu gifted the audience with countless timeless classics including "Cholo Bodle Jai," "Hashte Dekho Gaite Dekho," "Keu Shukhi Noy," "Ferari Ei Monta Amar," "Ekdin Ghum Bhanga Shohore," "Bangladesh," "Koshto Pete Bhalobashi," "Ekhon Onek Raat," "Ei Rupali Guitar Fele," "Gotokal Rate," "Shei Tara Bhora Raat E," "Meye Tumi Ki Dukkho Cheno," "Share Tin Hat Mati," "Ural Debo Akashe," and " Ek Akash Tara Tui" among others.

"Ononto Prem Tumi Dao Amake," "Ami Toh Preme Porini," "Ammajan," and "Sagorika Ami Beche Achi" among other hit film songs, cemented Ayub Bachchu's place in the hearts of thousands of Bangladesh across the world.

The rock legend passed away on October 18, 2018 at age 56.