For many young dreamers, the image of a musician—blue eyes, long curly hair, a Hawaiian shirt, stylish jeans, a gleaming guitar in hand—captures an iconic vision of artistry and expression. My story began no differently. I was passionate about music, and after finishing high school, I dreamed of becoming a skilled guitarist and singer, believing that one day, life might take a miraculous turn.
Growing up in a small town with limited resources, pursuing a musical career felt nearly impossible. In the late 90s, music lessons, equipment, and even access to instruments were rare luxuries. Traveling to Dhaka to buy a guitar was unimaginable. Yet, as the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way." Living close to the Indian border near Jashore, I found a route to fulfill my dream. Secretly crossing the border, I managed to purchase my first guitar in India and returned home two days later, filled with excitement and hope.
However, with a guitar in hand, my next challenge was finding a teacher. Fortunately, I connected with Kabir Bhai, the only local guitarist, who taught me the basics. My practice journey began, and soon, I ventured to India, where I had the incredible fortune of learning under the guidance of Gyanada Chayan Da, a guitarist associated with the legendary Indian vocalist Usha Uthup. This experience further fueled my passion and honed my skills.
At that time, band music in Bangladesh was reaching new heights, with bands like "Feelings," "Chime," "Different Touch," and "Souls" shaping the cultural scene. Being inspired, I formed my own band 'Burning Soul' and began performing at stage shows across colleges and events, quickly earning recognition from Jashore to Pabna. Eventually, our band recorded a cassette that gained popularity, marking the beginning of my professional journey as a guitarist.
Though we performed regularly, the pay was modest—starting at only Tk 200 and gradually rising. Following my B.Com, I moved to Dhaka to study C.A. and complete my Master's degree. Life in Dhaka was challenging, with long days at the C.A. firm, studying at night, and living frugally. Amid these struggles, I sought to connect with established artists, attending shows and building my network. My breakthrough came when I met respected Rabindra Sangeet artist Sadi Mohammad Bhai, who introduced me to legends like Rizwana Chowdhury Bonnya, Papia Sarwar, and Nilufar Yasmin. Soon, I was performing on stage, recording for BTV and radio, and embarking on a full-fledged professional career.
The rise of satellite channels in Bangladesh brought new opportunities. Performing live on channels such as Ekushey Television, Channel-I, RTV, and NTV became a regular part of my journey. I forged strong relationships with artists like Tapan Chowdhury, Hasan Chowdhury, and Kanak Chapa, and even shared the stage with the iconic Niaz Mohammad Chowdhury.
Over the years, I ventured into event management, organizing performances at prestigious venues like the British High Commission. In 2004, I joined Bangladesh Betar as a guitarist, gaining special recognition in television and radio. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to play alongside the very artists who inspired me in my youth.
Today, I continue to advocate for stronger support for musicians in Bangladesh. We need institutes and dedicated teachers to train the next generation in guitar, piano, keyboard, and saxophone. My hope is for musicians in Bangladesh to achieve their full potential. Throughout my journey, I have drawn endless inspiration from the late, great Ayub Bachchu. May Allah grant him eternal peace.
Reflecting on my journey, I feel blessed. Against all odds, I established myself in a challenging field, and I owe it to the passion, resilience, and friendships I nurtured along the way.
