Putul's musical dream

Photo: Tuhin Hossain

Putul, a former “Close Up 1” contestant, is now a popular face both as a singer and a TV show host. However, her aspirations involve music. It calls for hard work, and she works tirelessly to make her dreams a reality. Recently, she dropped in at The Daily Star office to talk about her entry into the music scene and her career plans.
How did your interest in music start?
Putul: My elder sister used to train. She was an officially enlisted singer for Bangladesh Radio and Bangladesh Television. Her teacher was Suren Burman. I started taking music lessons from him at the age of four and continued up to my SSC exams. So, I have been into music since my early childhood.
Did you learn singing from anybody else after that?
Putul: After a short break, I trained under Ustad Atiqur Rahman. And after that I learnt music from Sujit Mostafa. I have been taking lessons in Nazrul Sangeet and classical music from him since 2005. I am also studying music at UODA.
To what extent did you family support your music career
Putul: My family encouraged me right from the beginning and is still strongly behind me. I don't think I would have been able to achieve what I have without their support.
You got many prizes for singing in your childhood...
Putul: Yes. I won 12 gold medals in contests that were arranged by Education Week, Natun Kuri, Shishu Academy and Islamic Foundation. I also received many other awards from other organisations.
Tell us about your experiences in “Close Up 1”.
Putul: Like many optimistic aspiring singers, I too took part in the contest. In the beginning, I did not try to think too far ahead, just concentrated on each step. At one point I found myself in the top 10. My expectations kept increasing and I finished by securing the 6th position, which was a great achievement for me. This gave me the impetus to dream more about music.
What about TV show hosting?
Putul: I started hosting in 2008. That was the year “Close Up 1” had its 3rd season. The late “Close Up 1” fellow contestant Abid hosted the show in that season. After that I started hosting live music shows on Desh TV. The name of the show was “Call-er Gaan”. I have been hosting the show for the last two and half years although it has become a bit irregular recently.
What are your plans regarding singing in the years to come?
Putul: I always intended to evolve a unique style for myself as a singer so that the listeners can get a taste of difference. I hope my next album will be able to give them that. And I want to be in music, quality music in particular, as long as I live.
Are you doing playback?
Putul: I have sung in four or five films. New contracts are being finalised. However, I find it more comfortable to perform on stage. I also enjoy performing live songs on TV.
Can you name some of your albums?
Putul: My first solo album came out in 2008. The title was “Shondha Barir Barandaye”. The next solo album “Matir Putul” was released in 2010. At present I am working on my new album. I have also fixed the name as “Putul Gaan”. The most exciting thing is that I have written and composed all the songs for this album. I hope to release it during Ramadan this year.