Six decades of Khurshid Alam’s enduring voice
Mohammad Khurshid Alam is a name deeply familiar to generations of Bangladeshi music lovers. The acclaimed singer has spent six decades in the world of music, lending his voice to countless popular songs, most of them for films. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak.
Reflecting on his six-decade journey, Khurshid Alam told The Daily Star, “Looking back, I realise that it has already been 60 years since I began my journey in music. Sometimes, when I think about it, I am amazed at how quickly all these years have passed. I was fortunate to begin singing at a time when the golden era of Bangla music was beginning in Bangladesh. Several songs in my voice became popular, and music lovers in Bangladesh still listen to them.
“Even today, when I meet people on the streets, I am touched by the love and respect they show me. I am truly overwhelmed by it. I have immense love for the listeners of Bangla music.”
One of the country’s accomplished singers, Khurshid Alam has contributed his voice to countless songs over his long career, many of which continue to live on in the public memory.
He made his film playback debut in 1969 with Babul Chowdhury’s “Agantuk”. The song, “Bondi Pakhir Moto”, was composed and arranged by Azad Rahman.
Among the celebrated film songs in his voice is “Ajke Na Hoy Bhalobasho, Ar Kono Din Noy”, from the 1978 film “Mintu Amar Naam”. Written by Dewan Nazrul, the song was composed by Alam Khan.
Another popular song, “Chumki Choleche Eka Pothe”, was also featured in “Dost Dushmon”, directed by Dewan Nazrul, with music by Alam Khan.
“O Duti Noyone” came from Kamal Ahmed’s 1972 film “Ashru Diye Lekha”. The song was written by Mohammad Moniruzzaman and composed by Ali Hossain.
Other audience-favourite film songs in his voice include “Churi Korecho Amar Monta”, “Mago Ma Ogo Ma”, “Baper Chokher Moni Noy”, “Dhire Dhire Chol Ghora”, “Ei Akashke Shakkhi Rekhe” and “Pakhir Bashar Moto Duti Chokh Tomar”, among many others.
Born in Joypurhat in 1946, Khurshid Alam may have established himself as a celebrated singer of modern and film songs, but his musical journey began with Rabindra Sangeet.
In 1966, he auditioned for Bangladesh Betar. The audition board included Abdul Ahad, Ferdausi Rahman and Samar Das. His first two songs for the radio’s commercial programming were “Tomar Du Hat Chhuye Shapath Nilam” and “Chanchal Du Noyone Bolo Na”.
Six decades is a long time in music. The country’s music industry has changed, the language of cinema has evolved and listeners’ tastes have shifted. Many singers who once dominated the airwaves have gradually faded from public memory, while others remain cherished only as part of a bygone era.
Khurshid Alam, however, remains a familiar voice. His songs continue to reach listeners across generations, retaining a freshness that time has failed to diminish. In an ever-changing musical landscape, his voice has remained remarkably enduring.
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