Ustad Mumtaz Ali Khan remembered

Ustad Mumtaz Ali Khan ranks unforgettably among those who popularised folk-songs of Bengal. In equal measure a composer, lyricist, singer and teacher, he was an inspiration to many during his lifetime.

The Ekushey Padak winning artiste passed on in 1990, but his daughter Rupu Khan continues her father's legacy. The folk singer recently talked to this correspondent about her music and her inspiration.

Belonging to a musical family and being the daughter of Ustad Mumtaz Ali Khan, Rupu Khan was a natural in the world of folk songs.

Stepping into the music arena at an early age, Rupu Khan won awards in folk music in a competition that was held among participants from all districts of Bangladesh in 1976 and 1977.

At the same time in 1977, she won an award in folk music in BTV's children's reality show “Notun Kuri”. Her journey never stopped; she went on to win awards like the Ananna Musical Award and Performance Media Award.

“I remember as a child. I learnt music from my father. He used to take me on his lap, and sing what seemed like stories for me. And till today, I can hear the melodious voice of my father and cherish those memories,” said Rupu, also the host of a popular folk music programme on BTV.

Rupu Khan loves to sing two timeless folk songs composed by Ustad Mumtaz Ali Khan: “Bondhu Rongila Ronglila Rey” and “Ei Je Dunia Kishero Lagiya” -- immortalized by Sachin Dev Burman and Abdul Alim respectively.

“I saw him teaching so many students, like Abdul Alim, Mina Borua, Kiron Chandra Roy and many others. I also count myself as his pupil and the talent of singing also runs in my blood,” she added.

“My father was the one who spread the words and philosophy of Lalon through his songs. He was my idol,” Rupu Khan concluded.