Elita brings a different touch to ‘Sraboner Megh’
Nostalgia meets reinvention in “Sraboner Megh”, as Elita Karim lends her voice to a refreshed version of the beloved early ‘90s track by Different Touch. Released in early April, the song has been revamped with a contemporary soundscape by Fuad Almuqtadir, while Adnan Al Rajeev directed its visually appealing music video. The project is part of Fuad’s initiative “Touch of Gold”, which revisits some of Bangladesh’s most iconic songs through modern interpretations, including reworks of classics by LRB , Aurthohin, Cryptic Fate and Watson Brothers.
For Elita Karim, “Sraboner Megh” carries a deeply personal connection that predates the project itself. “This song has been a constant companion since childhood. We would listen to it, sing along, and back then, it was quite common for music to play loudly from neighbouring houses. I’m from Chittagong, and we could often hear songs coming from next door — something you don’t really experience anymore. ‘Sraboner Megh’ was one of those songs we kept coming back to.”
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That sense of familiarity made the collaboration feel instinctive. Elita says working again with Fuad felt special from the start, and collaborating with him and director Adnan was rewarding. “When I was approached, it felt special. Working with Fuad and the team again was wonderful,” she shares, adding that she enjoys creative collaborations where strong music and visuals come together with a natural sense of excitement.
The song selection, she explains, was curated by the team behind the project. “Fuad and the producing agency Dot Birth decided which songs to work on. I was told I would be doing ‘Sraboner Megh’. The rhythm of the song is very engaging, and that refrain — ‘aj keno mon, aj keno mon udashi hoye’ — is something we all grew up repeating,” she explains.
What drew her further was the composition itself. “If you break the song down, its melody, structure and rhythm, it's beautifully constructed. It carries brightness, but also a strong nostalgic feeling. That contrast made the concept very appealing to me.”
Visually, the project added another layer of excitement. “When I was told about the styling and the set design, I was immediately interested. I’ve always admired Adnan’s work, and being part of his creative vision made me feel proud and happy. And most importantly, I did not question his decisions at all!”
The recording and filming took place in Dhaka, with the song recorded at Kolorob Studio in Niketan and the video shot at Studio Nine n’ Half in Banasree. “We recorded the song sometime late last year with Fuad, and the video was shot separately.”
The reimagined version is slightly different from the original one. To that she responds, “My approach was to preserve the original spirit while adding my own touch. We were conscious of retaining the song’s brightness, that essence from a pre-social media era.”
At the same time, subtle changes were introduced. “We tried to bring slight variations, particularly in the way certain lines end, to create a small difference without taking away from the original identity.”
She is particularly appreciative of how the video stands on its own. “Adnan has done something truly different. There’s no direct visual reference to the original — it’s completely independent, shaped by his perspective as a filmmaker. I would say it’s a real piece of art.”
The visual narrative also incorporates references to well-known artworks. “If you look closely, you’ll notice elements inspired by famous paintings, which adds another layer to the video. Being part of a song like ‘Sraboner Megh’, and then seeing it placed within a world inspired by iconic art, makes the experience even more interesting.”
For Elita, the project also taps into a broader emotional thread. “I still live in the past in a way — not literally, but in how certain moments stay with us. When I listen to these songs, they take me back to what I was experiencing at that time. Many people can relate to that feeling through songs they love.”
She believes the strength of “Touch of Gold” lies in bridging generations. “These songs are being presented in a new form, yet they still carry that warm, familiar feeling. It’s exciting to see so many talented people coming together.”
Looking ahead, she is hopeful about the industry’s potential. “Bangladesh has a lot of talent. With the right opportunities, people can create meaningful work. Projects like this show that high-quality production is possible here. I believe we can continue to grow our cultural space and reach global platforms.”
Released on the same day, the other songs feature Shakib Chowdhury singing Aurthohin’s “Obak Sei Cheleti”, while Raef Al Hasan Rafa reinterprets Cryptic Fate’s “Bhoboghurey”, and Zohad Reza Chowdhury sings Watson Brother's timeless song“Rong”.
The classic “Ghumonto Shohore”, originally by Ayub Bachchu, features a collaborative rendition by Johad, Rafa and Shakib. All songs are available on YouTube and Spotify and other music stores.
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