In a recently released Bengali comedy flick, there was a joke about popular culture Bengali music.
It said that a ‘Bangla Band’ was an oxymoron. I think they were being kind.
I clearly dislike most of the new age Bengali music, and personally think that its a real tragedy that the state that maestros like the Burmans, Salil Chowdhury and many others belonged to is now parched and running short of talent.
But I am happy to say that the condition of the movies seem to be improving. A little. Lately I’ve watched three Bengali movies and quite liked them –
– Bhooter Bhobhishyot (About the dilemma of ghosts in Calcutta – with all the old buildings being pulled down to make place for malls and multiplexes)
– Jekhane Bhooter Bhoy (Three short stories about the supernatural – with an excellent narrative) and
– Hemlock Society (A society that apparently trains aspirants to commit suicide professionally to ensure the best results – quite an uproar!)
Recently, I came across a song sung by K Mohan (of the Agnee fame – he sang the MTV Splitsvilla theme song) in Bengali, for a new movie – Hawa Bodol. Maybe it is the baritone or some of the lyrics – but this one is going down in the Favourites list.
Give it a listen, even if you don’t follow what he’s singing.