With the evolution of music and the analogue embers of the past giving way to the digital boom, Durga Puja albums are really a thing of the last century. However, it’s never too late to fiddle with nostalgia and try it out the Kolkata way. And that is exactly what music director and entrepreneur Shiladitya Chaudhury had in his mind when he decided to bring this long lost token of Bangaliana back for this year’s Puja.
Produced by Asha Audio and presented by Samaj Sebi Sangha, the album — Phire Pawa — features Kumar Sanu, Amit Kumar and Alka Yagnik, trumpet sections by Kishore Shoda and has music directed by the dynamic duo of Shiladitya-Raj. With music arranged by Som Chakraborty, the album floats back to the retro soundscape of the ’90s, brimming with the nostalgia of Pujas.
Speaking of the idea, Shiladitya Chaudhury said: “There was a time when Puja albums were as much a part of the usual Puja craze. From Shyamal Mitra to R.D. Burman, Amit Kumar to Kumar Sanu, we have grown up listening to these fantastic albums. This Puja, with its Unesco heritage tag, is gearing up to be bigger and more relevant than ever and that’s when we thought about producing a Puja album, which so quintessentially defines Bengali ethos. Produced by Asha Audio and presented by Samaj Sebi, this project isn’t a theme song, but an attempt to bring back the lost legacy of Puja albums.”
The Telegraph spoke to Amit Kumar, Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik about the album.
Alka Yagnik with Shiladitya-Raj
Could you tell us a bit about the song?
Amit Kumar: Eshe gechi shei ami is an immensely happy song with beautiful melody. As you can guess, it is about coming back to life and to colours after two years of the pandemic. It has a fast tempo and it’s all about the Puja energy and mood. Technically, there are a lot of nuances. There’s a lot of harmonising and it’s been composed on a major scale, which is actually very difficult.
Kumar Sanu: The song, which I have sung, Jodi kokhono harai, has incredible melody and rhythm, and it is always special when it is a Puja song.
Alka Yagnik: Ojana oi du chokhe is a very light, romantic and sweet song. It felt like it was crafted for my voice, with its textures and melody.
How was it working with the duo Shiladitya-Raj?
Amit Kumar: I have been working with them for so many years. We have worked on three or four albums together. They are extremely talented and are always trying to come up with new ideas. They know my style and it’s always a great experience working with them.
Kumar Sanu: I have worked with them before and there have been numerous hits. They always focus a lot on melody, so working with them is always fun.
Alka Yagnik: It feels really great to come together with Kumar Sanu and Amit Kumar. Shiladitya and Raj brought it all together and it was really a fantastic experience. The thing I loved most about working with them was how they stay true to the roots of Bengali music, melody and soul.
Som Chakraborty, Shiladitya-Raj and Kumar Sanu
Your fondest memories of Puja albums?
Amit Kumar: There are so many memories. My first Puja song was the hit Jinisher daam bereche. They had originally released only 6,000 copies, which were sold out within three days. Following that, 25,000 were released. It was a surreal experience and has to be one of my fondest memories. Having worked with Baba, I worked with Pancham da, and then started composing my own songs. It was an era of analogue recordings and was a completely different atmosphere altogether. The charm of Puja albums has been certainly lost in time, but with projects like this, we try to bring back the legacy And with this album, I really think we will be able to.
Kumar Sanu: The concept of Puja albums is all but lost. Those were completely different days. The focus is more on singles these days. There is a lack of sentiment and lyricism somehow, and the environment has accordingly morphed over the years. Talking about my favourite memories of Puja albums, Priyatoma mone rekho and Amar shilpi were huge hits and became household favourites.
Alka Yagnik: Being from Kolkata, I’m more than familiar with the craze surrounding Puja albums and releases. The scene has evolved over the years. But, it's after a really long time I’m singing a Puja release and it feels absolutely wonderful.
Favourite Puja memories and your plans for this year?
Amit Kumar: Have numerous Puja memories, most of them at Ballygunge Place. I really won’t be able to talk to you about those, because most of them are extremely naughty anecdotes (laughs). Plans for this year would have me be in Mumbai, where I’m having a number of shows and will be spending the season with my brothers.
Kumar Sanu: Lots of memories. Pandal hopping, shuttling between restaurants, it was a season where it was all about friends and family. This year, I’m organising Durga Puja in Mumbai for the first time. Hoping it will be an enriching and a smooth experience.
Alka Yagnik: There are so many fond memories which I associate with Puja and Kolkata. That is where I grew up. It’s been years in Mumbai, but my heart is still in Kolkata. I really miss the city and feel like running back when it’s Puja season. The fervour and euphoria were maddening. Growing up in New Alipore, my brother and I used to dress up and attend numerous dance dramas and magic shows in our locality. It was really a wonderful time. Hope this album settles into the euphoria perfectly.