When you look at her musical background and experience, it's no surprise that Farhin Khan Joyita has released her latest album comprising completely of songs from the great Rabindranath Tagore. Daughter of renowned musician Mita Haq and actor-director Khaled Khan, Joyita grew up with the creative influences of both her parents, and went on to combine that with her own musical talents to create a new album titled 'Koto Madhusomire'. The product of almost two years of hard work and innovation, the album contains eight songs, which were arranged by Partho Pal and recorded in Kolkata. This week, Joyita sits down with Dhaka Tribune to discuss her latest creative endeavour.What makes this album special? As we all know, Tagore's music is incredibly diverse and has a range of influences behind it, including Hindustani classical music, folk music and Western songs. In the case of Hindustani classical music, you can see many different forms in the songs of Tagore. In this album, I tried to focus on one of these forms in each song. So for example, 'morey barey barey pherale' is influenced by the kheyal form and 'prochondo gorjone' by drupad, whereas 'shukhheen nishidin poradhin' is more inspired by the parana form.What inspired you to make this album? One of my favourite albums of all time is one by Arati Mukherjee. Although she is best known for her modern songs, this album all included songs from Tagore which specifically had many global influences, such as from Scottish ballads and South Indian or Punjabi songs. While mine focuses on songs with classical backgrounds, this was a huge inspiration to me, and I still listen to it whenever I can.Why Tagore? I've heard my mother sing songs of Tagore from as far back as I can remember, and the love of his music has pervaded my household always. My mother also takes music classes at home, and for every song she teaches, she always explains the philosophy behind it. So I have always been immersed in Tagore and have internalised his philosophies throughout my childhood, and that is what is expressed in this album. But Tagore wasn't the only influence in my life, my father used to listen to a wide variety of music, and I think I am equally influenced by his tastes as well.Who are your favourite artists? Kanika Banerjee, Lata Mangeshkar, Begum Akhter, Shandha Mukherjee, and Hemanta Mukherjee. For Bangladeshi artists, Aditi Mohsin, Laisa Ahmed Lisa and of course my mother. I could go on and on!Do you think the younger generation like/understand Tagore? I think there was a bad time in the music scene, around 12-13 years ago, when there was waning interest in Tagore. A lot of people used to tell me that Rabindra Shongeet would put them to sleep, which I guess is a common complaint among some! But now I think we've had a real revival in our arts and musical culture. There are all these young artists who are experimenting with different genres, styles and arrangements, and there is a renewed interest in Rabindranath – not just his music, but his philosophies, and that is wonderful to see.One other talent you wish you had? I wish I could dance.What is your greatest inspiration?It's difficult to pinpoint just one person, because there are so many people who inspire and influence you over your lifetime. My parents obviously, but I also owe a huge deal to my friends. I can be quite lazy sometimes and drag one project on and on! But in the case of my music, they would constantly egg me on and even scold me, but they would make sure I get things done.If you could have an alternative career, what would it be?I would have loved to be a teacher. In fact I am already involved in it – I am currently teaching music at the Bangladesh Film and Television Academy.What is your favourite food?Rice, spicy beef and lots of different bhortas – the perfect meal!What song is stuck in your head now?'Tumi jakey bhalobasho' by Anupam Roy, from the film Prakton.What is your worst habit?I'm unbelievably lazy, it's the worst thing!What advice would you give aspiring musicians?If you want to sing or make music, you just have to do it. You can't let yourself be encumbered by the complications of life – just go ahead and make music. It doesn't matter how much you sing, what matters is that you tried. Another important thing is not to be rigid. Even in my case, a lot of people have asked why my album has only Tagore, whereas others have asked why I did an item song last year, in the commercial film U-turn by Alvi Ahmed. But I think it's important to explore your limits and be as versatile as you can. Art can't be allowed to stagnate.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
