A lasting career in music
“Music is an inherent instinct in me,” said Rafiqul Alam, popular adhunik and playback singer. During a recent interview with The Daily Star, the artiste talked about his first steps into the musical world and reminisced performing at the International Music Conference back in 1973.
Rafiq remembers being keen on music from a very early age. But, he attributes a part of this enthusiasm to his elder brother Dr. Sarwar Jahan, a renowned cultural personality of his time, who inspired him. Rafiqul Alam trained under Pundit Haripada Das and Pundit Abdul Jabbar Khan, and received some elementary lessons from Anup Bhattacharjee. Some of Rafiq’s well-known songs are Baishakhi megher kachhey, Aasha chhilo mon-e mon-e and Kokhono amar maa ke, which is an adaptation of a poem by Shamsur Rahman.
According to the singer, a pleasant voice, good sense of music and strong perseverance, are few of the important traits a singer should possess. “Also, one should listen extensively to various genres of music in order to keep himself/ herself updated and enhance music skills,” he added.
He recalls the time he received an award for Best Singer from Bangla Cine Journalists’ Association. In 1973, he performed at the “International Music Conference”, held at the Dhaka Stadium. It was one of the most memorable days of his life, performing with some of the biggest artistes of that time.
When asked to personify music with any material object, he said, “Music cannot be compared to anything else in my life. Fame, fortune, career, honour, contentment, good living — you can get all of this from one profession.” Rafiq also admitted that he is justly satisfied with his roles as father, singer and government official.
Rafiqul Alam hosts a show, Nobo anondey jago, on BTV. Newly enlisted music artistes of BTV are featured for the first time on this show. The programme is aired every Wednesday at 6:00 pm.
Source: The Daily Star.
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