Ustad Arindam, a young classical talent

Arindam Bhattacharya performs at a programme.Photo: STAR

Ustad Arindam Bhattacharya is a young classical maestro with a mesmerizing voice. His superb music skills have made him a popular face in the Mymensingh region
Ustad Arindam was born in village Laxkhandia at Nalia Jamalpur Union under Baliakandi Upazila of Rajbari district on February 10, 1969. Son of late Shantimoya Bhattacharyya and Juthika Bhattacharyya, Arindam did his SSC and HSC examinations from West Bengal Secondary Education Board in 1984 and 1986 respectively. He also obtained a diploma degree in electronic engineering in 1985 and B.Com degree under Burdwan University in 1988.
But music was his true calling, as he realised. To pursue his dream, he joined Rabindra Bharati University. He did his BA (Honors) and MA in Music from this university in 1992 and 1994 respectively. Now he resides at Amlapara in Mymensingh town.
Under the expert guidance of prominent classical maestros of West Bengal, Shachi Dulal Bandapadya, Horonath Chattyapadya, Dr. Amiya Ranjan Bandapadya, Alok Chattapadya, Nihar Ranjan Bandapadya, Bramma Mohan Thakur, Sumitra Sen, Dr. Utpala Goshswami, Dr. Subodh Nandi and Mrigangka Shekor Chakborti, Ustad Arindam honed his classical music skills. Besides, he also took 'taleem' (lessons) in classical music from late Ustad Josharaj and Mohanlal Sharma.
During his student days in West Bengal, he embarked on training in music under the tutelage of great classical maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan in 1991. He was also appointed as a trainer at Taanpura Sangeet Shikkhalaya in West Bengal from 1992 to 1999. He was the music director of the 26th annual cultural programme of Tanpura Sangeet Shikhalaya in 1999.
Ustad Arindam has refined his skills in different 'Gharanas' (styles) including Bishnupur gharana, Lucknow gharana and Kirana gharana. His excellent rendition of khayal, thumri, Nazrul Sangeet, Tagore songs, tappa and modern songs is a pointer to talent in music.
He has so far rendered classical music performances in various classical festivals attended by eminent classical masters of the country. The organisations behind these festivals are Kala Sangam, Rajshahi; Sanskritik Academy, Dhaka; Sadaranga Sanskritik Parishad, Chittagong and Nazrul Shena Academy in Mymensingh. His performance as a background music performer in “Malua Sundari”, an important pala of “Mymensingh Geetika” organised by Kishoreganj Sanskritik Parishad in 2005 won huge applause. To his credit also are his writings on classical music. His publications in different newspapers, including “The Monthly Sargam” on the history of classical music in Mymensingh region as well as in the country have drawn the attention of the music critics.
As a classical music teacher, Ustad Arindam is associated with different cultural academies including District Shilpakala Academy of Kishoreganj and Alokmoynaha Sangeet Bidhalaya.
Commenting on the current situation of classical music and the present generation, Arindam says, "The young generation is very interested in classical music now. Hundreds of graduates are entering this arena, which is a positive sign for classical music. If such a trend continues, in the near future will be able to fill the vacuum that exists in this genre.”