Andrew Kishore lives on through his songs
Photo: Andrew Kishore
Andrew Kishore, a shining star in the world of playback singing in Bangla cinema and a magician of immortal melodies, earned the title of “Playback Emperor.” His melodious voice captivated generations of listeners. He established an undisputed reign in film playback singing, reaching extraordinary heights in his career.
Today is Andrew Kishore’s birthday. Having lent his voice to more than 15,000 songs, he enriched the history of Bangla music and cinema. It is almost impossible to find anyone in Bangladesh who has never listened to his songs. Fulfilling his mother’s dream through dedication and perseverance, he became a living legend.
Andrew Kishore Kumar Baroi was born on November 4, 1955, in Rajshahi. His father, Kshitish Chandra Baroi, and mother, Minu Baroi, were both teachers.
His mother, Minu Baroi, was a music enthusiast and a fan of legendary Indian singer Kishore Kumar. She named her son “Kishore” after her favorite artist. To fulfill his mother’s dream, he chose music as his life’s calling.
He received musical training from Ustad Abdul Aziz Bachchu at Rajshahi’s Surbani Music Academy, laying a strong foundation for his musical career.
After independence, Andrew Kishore was enlisted as a singer at Rajshahi Radio, performing Nazrul Sangeet, Rabindra Sangeet, modern songs and folk music.
His playback career in films began in 1977 with the song “Achinpurer Rajkumari Nei Je Tar Keu” from the film Mail Train, composed by Alam Khan.
Soon afterward, he lent his voice to the song “Dhumdharakka” in Badal Rahman’s film Emiler Goenda Bahini. However, the song “Ek Chor Jay Chole” from A.J. Mintu’s 1979 film Protigya brought him widespread popularity and recognition.
In 1982, he won his first National Film Award for singing “Hayre Manush Rongin Fanush” in Mohiuddin’s film Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo. The song was written by Syed Shamsul Haque and composed by Alam Khan.
In 1984, songs from the film Noyoner Alo, written and composed by Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, took his popularity to new heights.
He also sang Hindi songs composed by renowned music director R.D. Burman, as well as Bangla songs composed by Burman.
In his personal life, the singer married Lipika Andrew Iti. They have two children, Sangya and Saptak.
Throughout his illustrious career, he received the National Film Award for Best Male Singer eight times, the Bachsas Award five times and the Meril Prothom Alo Award twice.
The list of popular songs sung by Andrew Kishore is extensive. Some of them include “Premer Somadhi Bhenge,” “Pore Na Chokher Polok,” “Amar Babar Mukhe Prothom Jedin,” “Amar Goru’r Garite,” “Ek Bindu Bhalobasha Dao,” “Amar Buker Moddhikhane,” “Tumi Jekhane Ami Sekhane,” “Chander Sathe Ami Debo Na Tomar Tulona,” “Bhengeche Pinjor Meleche Dana,” “Ekhane Dujone Nirjone,” “Tumi Mor Jiboner Bhabna,” “Tumi Amar Koto Chena,” “Tomay Dekhle Mone Hoy,” “Ami Ekdin Tomay Na Dekhile,” “Tumi Aj Kotha Diyecho” and “Akashete Lokkh Tara,” among many others.
However, some of his songs that remain particularly popular among listeners today include:
Hayre Manush Rongin Fanush
This song from Mohammad Mohiuddin’s 1982 film Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo was written by Syed Shamsul Haque and composed by Alam Khan, who also served as the music director. Sung for Anwar Hossain, the song earned Andrew Kishore the National Film Award.
Bhalobese Gelam Shudhu Bhalobasha Pelam Na
Andrew Kishore’s voice in this song from Zahirul Haque’s 1982 film Keu Karo Noy, featuring Alamgir on screen, continues to move listeners emotionally.
Amar Shara Deho Kheyo Go Mati
The lyrics and music of this song from Belal Ahmed’s 1984 film Noyoner Alo were written and composed by Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul. The song, featuring Zafar Iqbal, remains equally popular today.
Shobai To Bhalobasha Chay
The song from Zahirul Haque’s 1987 film Surrender was written by Gazi Mazharul Anwar. Andrew Kishore sang it alongside Sabina Yasmin. Jasim and Shabana appeared in the song.
Jiboner Golpo Ache Baki Olpo
The song from Shibli Sadik’s 1988 film Bheja Chokh was written by Moniruzzaman Monir. Ilias Kanchan and Champa starred in the film.
Tumi Amar Jibon Ami Tomar Jibon
Andrew Kishore sang this romantic song with Runa Laila for Mostafa Anwar’s 1989 film Obujh Hridoy. Zafar Iqbal and Bobita lip-synced to the song.
Beder Meye Josna
Andrew Kishore sang the popular title track of Tojammel Haque Bokul’s record-breaking 1989 film Beder Meye Josna with Runa Laila. Ilias Kanchan and Anju Ghosh starred in the film.
Dak Diyachhen Doyal Amare
This timeless song from the 1996 film Pran Sajani was written by Moniruzzaman Monir. Andrew Kishore’s voice, accompanying Tapas Pal on screen, remains unforgettable.
Bhalo Achhi Bhalo Theko
Andrew Kishore sang this song with Kanak Chapa for Matin Rahman’s 1996 film Tomake Chai. The lyrics were written by poet Rudra Muhammad Shahidullah. Salman Shah and Shabnur remain immortalized on screen through the song.
Kichu Kichu Manusher Jibone
Andrew Kishore and Kanak Chapa lent their voices to this song from F.I. Manik’s 2001 film Shopner Bashor, featuring Riaz and Shabnur.
Although he is no longer with us physically, his melodious voice and countless popular songs will keep him immortal in the history of Bangla cinema forever.
