MUSICIAN, poet, singer, and philosopher Sabbir Nasir has made a name for himself in Bangladesh with a variety of songs connected to his roots.
Having already gained over 15 million views on YouTube, the award-winning Bangladeshi folk artist recently took his first steps into a new musical zone with his debut English language single Drowning. The emotive song combines contemporary musical influences and raises a voice against injustice.
Eastern Eye caught up with the music talent to discuss his journey, new song, and future plans.
What first connected you to music?
My mother was a singer and gave me my first vocal lessons. My father had a gramophone and I used to listen to what he played on his gramophone records. My brother bought an acoustic guitar while I was 12. I started following his playing and later became a self-taught blues guitarist.
Tell us a little about your musical journey?
I started by playing and singing Dire Straits singles back in 1987 with my band mates. Later I was inspired by psychedelic music, especially The Doors. In 1998, my then band, named Metamorphosis, released their album, but it didn’t do well. Back then, blues was not so popular, so I took a break. I travelled, studied, and went on a quest to explore the unknown. I was influenced by mystics and saints I encountered – the yogis of the Himalayas and Sufis of Konya in Turkey, had a deep imprint in my mind.
When did you reconnect with music?
I came back to music in 2018, and folk, especially the soulful tunes with a little bit of Indie-pop influence made me popular with listeners in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. I can relate music with my spiritual quest quite clearly now. For the last three years, my vocal coaches have helped me learn new techniques practiced by western artists.
Which of your Bangla songs are closest to your heart?
My folk songs are all close to my heart, especially Amare Dia Dilam Tomare, Tumi Dome Dom and Binodini Rai. Besides that, my r’n’b singles like Jolo Jochona and Horsho are also favourites of mine.
What made you decide to record an English-language song?
I felt I needed to express myself to a wider audience. Whatever I feel and drives me as causes are universal, so I want to spread this message to as many people as possible.
Tell us about the song?
Drowning is a song about stopping crimes, especially human trafficking and child prostitution. It’s a pain felt by the muse and their urge to stop this evil. In a deeper layer, the ocean represents serenity, and evils over the ocean represent the darkness engulfing islands and ships. It’s suffocating when we are drowned in the ocean of life. I tried to express serenity in the base layer, and other emotions on top, through my voice.
What is the plan for you going forward?
I wish to express my spiritual realisation and my feelings around inequality and unfairness in this world through different forms of art, so I can reach out to the ears and eyes in the universe.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
I would love to work with Bob Dylan, Thom Yorke, Ajeet Kaur and Istvan Sky.
What inspires you?
Love of all forms and tranquillity in nature inspires me. Underprivileged children, abused women and poor farmers keep me awake, and their suffering whispers to my heart and asks me to do something for them.
What music dominates your own playlist?
Soul music, psychedelic blues and indie-pop.
What is something new in music that you would love to master?
I would love to learn orchestration and how to play a few eastern strings instruments played by mystics and farmers.
Finally, what does music mean to you?
Music is the wave of feelings which connects hearts. It is God’s purest expression.
Ranveer Singh’s rugged new look anchors the high-energy music video.
Rapper Hanumankind makes his official Bollywood début with a fierce verse.
Modern take on the classic Punjabi folk tune 'Jogi'.
Glimpses of Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal in the mix.
The full trailer lands next month.
The Dhurandhar title track just hit the internet, and the noise around this spy thriller just went up a few notches. This is the track that pulls rapper Hanumankind into his first proper Bollywood playback moment. They have taken the old folk number 'Jogi' and built a power-packed version around it, a mix of earthy roots and straight-up aggressive energy that hits like a truck. It fits, honestly. It mirrors the film's whole gritty vibe and Ranveer Singh's battle-hardened look with that wild beard.
Hanumankind brings raw rap fire while Ranveer Singh owns 'Dhurandhar' music video Getty Images/ Youtube Screengrab/Saregama Music
What is the Dhurandhar title track about?
You get a proper blast of the film’s atmosphere from this track. The music video cuts fast between shots of a heavily bearded and muscular Ranveer Singh, looking every bit the part of a hardened operative. The video cuts to the other big names in the cast as well. Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal are all there in what appears to be a tense, dark situation. The music includes traditional Punjabi folk with a stronger, cinematic rhythm.
How did Hanumankind get involved in the Dhurandhar song?
It turns out his involvement was a pretty organic, almost spontaneous thing. Music composer Shashwat Sachdev opened up about how the rap section came together. Apparently, it happened during a late-night studio session with director Aditya Dhar and Hanumankind himself. They captured an impromptu performance that just clicked, bringing what Sachdev called a "raw, instinctive fire" to the whole track. For an artist known for his independent work, this Dhurandhar feature is a major step into the mainstream film scene.
All this build-up is heading towards a definite date. The makers confirmed it right at the end of the title track video. Dhurandhar is locked in for a worldwide theatrical release on 5 December of this year. For those who need more than a song to tide them over, the official trailer is promised for 12 November.
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