Chandana Majumdar
Chandana Majumdar is a renowned singer, instructor, judge and a television personality, who is mostly known for Bangladeshi folk songs. She was born at the village of Kundupara situated at Kumarkhali, Kushtia. She attained popularity by performing the songs of Radha-Raman, Lalon Sain, Kabiyal Bijoy Sarkar, Shah Abdul Karim, Jalal Kha and many other Sufi songs. Currently, she is involved with Chhayanaut. Her albums include 'Opar Lile', 'Bosonto Batashe', 'Tomar Opar Nile' and 'Chokh Gelo Pakhi Re'. She gave her voice as a playback singer in many Bengali films. In 2009, she won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the film 'Monpura'.
INSPIRATION
My father, the eminent singer Nirmal Chandra Majumdar, bestrewed the seeds of music in me when I was just a kid and I think that's the first cause behind my interest in music. Holding his mighty hand, I entered into this heavenly arena of music. Therefore, my father is my first inspiration. And the person who was prodigiously motivational towards my passion for singing is none but my beloved mother, Anima Majumdar. I grew up in a warm cultural atmosphere where everything was framed under the colossal grace of music. The great Sufi, Lalon Sain, has left deep impressions on me. My Guruji Late Moksed Ali Shai, Late Khuda Baksh Shai and Farida Parveen are also my inspirations. Moreover, my husband Kiran Chandra Roy, as well as Rathindranath Roy, Bipul Bhattacharya, Ferdausi Rahman and Nina Hamid are my inspirations.
PHILOSOPHY
Music is like my prayer towards God. I think music has formed a different dimension of my life by which I can find inner peace. I always try to refrain myself from all negativities. I would love to share my knowledge gathered from my Gurus on this genre of music with anyone who wants to learn about it. I believe in honesty, sincerity and dedication.
VIEWS ON HER PROFESSION
To me, music is the image of life and the invocation of love. Learning music is not a short-term process. It is a matter of sorrow that our new generation is not interested in any long-term learning process; rather they prefer shortcuts to attain fame. One must follow the footsteps of their honorable Gurus to become a sustainable and successful singer. I want to advice the young generation to take lessons from proper Gurus, do research as much as they can and to be sincere, passionate and dedicated to music. Moreover, we should take proper initiatives to encourage our young generation to practice and preserve our precious root songs.
BOOKS
Books on music are at the top my favorite lists. I love reading poem books. The novels of Humayun Ahmed and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay are my all-time favorites.
GARDENING
I love to keep myself busy in gardening. Every single day, I water the plants and take proper care of them. I love to feel the empyrean beauty of nature. It gives me immense pleasure.
FILMS
Among the many movies I have watched, Monpura is my most favorite movie.
MUSIC
Since childhood, the Sufi songs have always enchanted me. I am a great admirer of Lalon Sain, Shah Abdul Karim and Kabiyal Bijoy Sarkar. Some of my most favorite songs include Ar Amare Marish Ne Maa and Guru Amare Ki Rakhben Kore Chorono Dashi by Lalon Sain, Amar Bondhure Koi Pabo Shokhi Go by Shah Abdul Karim and Ki Shapey Kamralo Amare by Kabiya; Bijoy Sarkar.
FUTURE PLANS
Currently, I am involved with Chhayanaut where I have found many students with latent talents. It was one of my agendas to establish an academy of music; and finally, I along with my father opened a music school named Kumarkhali Sangeet Vidyalaya at Kushtia. I would love to continue singing and also teaching students as much as possible.
IDOLS
My beloved father Nirmal Chandra Majumdar, our honorable Waheedul Haq and Sanjida Khatun are my idols. Additionally, the great Sufi Lalon Sain, my Guruji Late Moksed Ali Shai, Late Khuda Baksh Shai and Farida Parveen are also my idols. Regarding idols of my musical journey, I have to mention Kiran Chandra Roy, Rathindranath Roy, Bipul Bhattacharya, Ferdausi Rahman and Nina Hamid.