Nasimul Mahbub: A music aficionado

Nasimul Mahbub, a pharmacist by profession, has worked in most of the significant national and multinational companies of the country. At present, he is the Head, Plant Operations of Aristopharma. But if you ever listen to him singing you would not for once think that he is not a professional singer, whom you are meeting for the very first time!
Nasim has been in the industry as an amateur singer for about four decades with a voice that remains youthful till today. Even today his voice can make an impression and this shows that age has little impact on musical abilities.
“I used to learn classical and Nazrul songs in the 1970s. I was about nine or 10 years then. I was also a child artiste of PTV (Pakistan Television) and BTV respectively, and used to perform at regular programmes. But as I left for Cadet College, my connection with the music world declined, as there was no scope of singing there,” says Nasim. He continues, “At one point in life I was about to leave for Shantiniketan to pursue my education in music. But my father decided otherwise and I joined Dhaka University to complete my education in pharmacy.”
This versatile singer with an impeccable command over his voice can render a wide range of songs with consummate ease. He won the Notun Kuri Award as a child and participated in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) competition and wrested the second prize in Adhunik song. Nasim states “I have to work on a tight schedule because of my responsibilities but nevertheless I listen to songs whenever time permits.” His love for music ranges from Nazrul sangeet to western music. His fondest memories are from his childhood days when he spent hours learning and practising singing. His favourites include Subir Nandi, Samina Chowdhury, Sabina Yasmin and of course Runa Laila.
When asked if he regrets not making a career out of singing, he says, “When I hear a popular singer, I sometimes feel that I could have sung the same way. But I am happy to do what I am doing and music will always be more than a passion to me.”
One has to hear this gifted singer who brings great compositions of legendary composers such as Sachin Dev Burman and more to life on stage to understand his deep and abiding interest in music of many different styles and genres.