In conversation with Jewel

Hasan Abidur Reja Jewel is recognised as a talented artiste of the 1990s. His romantic and melodious songs like Dupur belar khola chithi and Swarno ranga dinguli fascinated many a young listener. At present Jewel is also busy as Chief of Production and Event, Impress Telefilm Ltd. He is the director of the ongoing talent hunt Channel i Shera Kontho ‘08. Recently, The Daily Star talked to the media personality about his musical career and profession.

Jewel’s first solo album was released in 1991. After that, six more solo albums were released. Among these albums, noted singer and composer Ayub Bachchu composed the music for five. Bappa Majumdar and the late Pranab Ghosh did the compositions for the other two.

On the issue of his reluctance to go solo, Jewel said, “The mushrooming popularity of Indian audio CDs in our market made me review my singing career. In those days, artistes like me either had to go with the flow or give a pause to their music career. I chose the second.”

“Gradually I became busy with my profession and could not squeeze in time for music,” he added.

Recently Jewel worked in two mixed albums titled Ek-i Shohorey featured with Bappa Majumdar and Bhango Moner Dana featured with Bappa and Indranil (India).

Jewel has observed a change in the audio industry since 2005. In his words, “Artistes like Bappa Majumdar, Arnob, Habib and Fuad are catalysts of the change in our audio industry.”

Jewel is enthusiastic about the talent hunt Channel i Shera Kontho ‘08. He said, “At present the ‘Ora Egaro Jon’ round is on, where 11 contestants are participating to ensure a place among the best five. The gala round of the event will feature these five contestants and it will be held on August 29.”

Jewel further said, “Each of these 11 contestants are well versed in music. Channel i is planning to groom the last 19 contestants further. We have plans to release albums and arrange tours for these contestants.”

The music- based programme on Channel i, Citycell Sa 2 Sa is also a brainchild of Jewel.

Returning to his musical career, Jewel said that he had a plan to remake his early songs. He said, “Ayub Bachchu and I have a plan to remake my popular older songs. I hope that we can immediately start our new venture.”

At present Jewel is working with a trainer named Shahjahan Kabir, to keep his vocal chords in form.

Jamil Mahmud
Source: The Daily Star

Tags: Ayub Bachchu, Bappa Majumdar, Jewel