In Perfect Tune

Kabir Bakul and Munni

Kabir Bakul is one of the finest lyricists of our time. Singer Deenat Jahan Munni is no less popular. Bound in a happy alliance, all their dreams are surrounded by music. In a no holds barred interview, they lift the curtain on the minute details of their marriage, future plans, children and dreams.
The Daily Star (TDS): How did you two get married?
Kabir Bakul: We have been together for 14 years now. We were married on October 24, 1997. I had known Munni from earlier. Her older brother and mine were close friends, which made me her uncle. Anyway, we met again after about eight years in 1997. I was a reporter for Bhorer Kagoj back then. I began to take a liking for her at that point of time. Having told her about my feelings, she took a while and accepted my proposal. Later on, with the consent of our families, we got married.
Munni: Yes, we had known each other back when we lived in Chandpur. The marriage took place when I came to Dhaka for studies.
TDS: Was there any objection from your families about the marriage?
Munni: Well, there were some right at the very beginning. However, we knew they would get over all the disapproval, which they did very soon.
TDS: Tell us about your plans, on the family and music front?
Kabir Bakul: I am walking on the path of music. I like taking it easy, since hasty movements often cause accidents. I have been writing songs professionally for 23 years now, winning the National Award twice over. I want to write even better in the future. As for my family, I definitely dream of a beautifully disciplined one.
Munni: I live and breathe music. Songs are my eternal companions. I want to come forth with even better music for my listeners. However, family definitely comes first. A happy family is what everyone dreams of.
TDS: Would you share some beautiful memories of your married life?
Kabir Bakul: There are many cheerful memories. However, the memory that tops them all would be the day I fathered a daughter for the first time. It was on July 21, 1998.
Munni: Memories of good days are countless. Nevertheless, being a mother was definitely the best.
TDS: Do you two ever have small fights every now and then?
Kabir Bakul: Obviously. How can married life be great without some small fights? We never have big quarrels, though.
Munni: I think small fights are vital. They make the marriage happier.
TDS: Do you manage to travel?
Kabir Bakul: I really do, but I hardly get time for it. Whenever I am free, Munni is not. Sometimes when we both are free, our children are not. We travel across the country a lot, though.
Munni: We went to Canada quite sometime back and visited Niagara Falls as well. Later we travelled to New York city. That was an amazing vacation.
TDS: What are your dreams for your children?
Kabir Bakul: They do not necessarily need to be involved with music. We will not force anything on them. They have complete freedom to deal with their future.
Munni: I have grown up with complete freedom. I want the same for them too. They need to complete their education properly, without departing from their cultural backgrounds. I want them to grow up as good human beings.
TDS: Living with music all day, who are your favourite artistes?
Kabir Bakul: There are many. I admire the artists who stick to simple and melodious music. Manna De is my favourite, so are Tapan Chowdhury, Subir Nondi, Kumar Bishwajit, Samina Chowdhury, Sabina Yasmin, Runa Laila, Shahnaz Rahmatullah,and Rafiqul Alam.
Munni: Most of the senior artistes are my favourite singers. I will not be able to stop naming them.
TDS: What do you do in your leisure time?
Munni: Honestly, I am an introvert. I hardly get any spare time. Whenever I do, I like to stay in with the kids or go out for dinner with everyone.
Kabir Bakul: We are very busy; we hardly get any time off.
TDS: Do you watch movies?
Munni: I watch foreign movies whenever I get some time, but I hardly listen to foreign music.
Kabir Bakul: Same here.