How are you enjoying popularity?
I believe popularity is something one can enjoy for a month or two, then it becomes a huge responsibility. Therefore, I have been trying to be consistent and be better version of myself, so that the fans don’t get disappointed.
Have you ever thought you would reach this position?
I have always believed that we should dream bigger. If you expect to get a 100 in an exam, you would at least get 80. In my case, my current position is far behind my dreams. I have miles to go.
Do you get support from your family?
Everybody in my family supported me and my dreams. You would be surprised to know that after 10th grade, I didn’t continue my studies, which worried my parents. Our relatives judged us several times. But now my heart fills with joy when my father says: ‘I am Noble’s father.’
Did you ever consider being in other profession, if not a singer?
I have realized that being a singer is only goal in my life. Before that I was aimless and bohemian type. But maybe I would have ended up being a traveler if not a singer. It is not that I was never an artiste before coming to the spotlight. I was always the same person, but now I have reached out to more people through music. But I don’t believe famous means being an artiste. There are hundreds of talents in every corner of Bangladesh. They should be highlighted as well.
What are your achievements from “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa?”
A lot. Through this platform I could reach out to people, both in Bangladesh and West Bengal. I thank Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for creating this platform.
Who is your guru?
In my music career, I consider my father as my guru. I remember as a child when there was load shedding in the house, my father would bring me close to him and sing songs for me. I grew up listening to Manna Dey, Jagjit Singh, Ustad Niaz Mohammad from my father.
You covered James’ songs in the competition. Are you a fan of James?
Everybody in Bangladesh loves James. I am no different. He is a rare talent in the whole world.
If you ever get a chance to perform with him, would you?
Absolutely! If he gives me permission I would be way beyond honoured.
Do you have any original song?
Long time I had a band and we released an album in 2007. In that album we had five songs and one of them was composed by me. So, those five songs are my only original songs.
But recently, the song I sang, I would be released as my original song.
How was the experience of playback singing?
I enjoy playback singing. Let me tell you a funny story, the day before I got the call to record the playback song, I was telling my friends that if for some reason I don’t get chances in Bangladesh, I would get to the Kolkata Film Industry. My friends are from my old band, so they agreed. It was just a joke, and we were laughing at it.
But the next day, I got call for the playback song in Kolkata. It was a great coincidence and out of the blues.
Then, I went to the studio, Anupam Roy was there. I never felt like that I was working with a national award winning musician, he was so nice. He guided me like an older brother, and made me feel like I knew him for years; I got 100% freedom while working. I can express my feelings after the success of the film and song. I would consider it a success if people listened to the song.
Do you have any new offer of playback singing in either Hindi or Bangla?
Not right now. But I have heard that Shantunu Maitra is perhaps composing a duet with Monali Thakur and me in mind. That is what I was told, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Would be a Bangla or Hindi song with Monali Thakur?
I don’t know. But most probably in Bangla.
You have received acclaims in India; how about Bangladesh?
I don’t discriminate between Bangladesh and India. Because, the love I received from the people of both countries-is the same. Thus I suppose music doesn’t have any religion or border.
Tell us something about your childhood, how were those days?
In my childhood we were always travelling. I had to change 13 schools in my life. This was the reason I didn’t have any friend when I was a kid. We didn’t have social media platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp back in the days. That is why there was no way to stay connected with my friends. We would relocate, so my friends would change as a result.
How many siblings do you have? Are they involved with music?
I have one younger sister and a brother. I am the oldest. My siblings are not involved with music.
Say something for your fans.
I would like to request my fans to have higher expectations from me, it would help me to move forward in future.
