The landscape of Bengali music has lost one of its most profound architects. Shah Newaz, the legendary composer and music director behind countless timeless classics, passed away in Montreal, Canada, on Saturday, 7 February 2026. He breathed his last at 3:33 am at the age of 76. His son, Swadesh Newaz, confirmed the news to the media, marking the end of a prolific era in Bangladeshi musical history.
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The Final Movement
According to family sources, the maestro’s health had been in decline for several months. He was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal on 7 December 2025, following a severe illness. Over the course of his hospitalisation, he remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was placed on life support on multiple occasions. Despite the exhaustive efforts of medical professionals, the journey of this silent genius reached its conclusion this weekend.
A Legacy of Melodic Depth
Shah Newaz belonged to a rare breed of artists who preferred the sanctity of the recording studio over the glare of public adulation. A reclusive figure, he dedicated his life to the evolution of modern Bengali music. His compositions were marked by a distinct restraint, emotional depth, and an introspective quality that allowed the lyrics and the singer’s voice to resonate with haunting permanence.
His work with Bangladesh Television (BTV) during the golden age of television dramas produced some of the most recognisable melodies in the Bengali language. Perhaps his most iconic contribution is the song “Asha Chilo Mone Mone,” a track that continues to be a staple of romantic folk-pop. Originally written by the legendary filmmaker Zahir Raihan, with additional verses by Nuruzzaman Sheikh, the song found its soul through Newaz’s evocative composition and Rafiqul Alam’s rendition.
Iconic Compositions by Shah Newaz
| Song Title | Lyricist | Key Vocalists | Context/Note |
| Asha Chilo Mone Mone | Zahir Raihan | Rafiqul Alam | A timeless romantic anthem. |
| Rail Line Bohe Somantoral | Nazrul Islam Babu | Dilruba Khan | Featured in the 1983 drama Ekdin Jokhon. |
| Bondhu Re Tor Mon Pailam Na | Traditional/Various | Shahnaz Rahmatullah | A masterpiece of soulful longing. |
| Sonomukhi Sui Diye | Traditional/Various | Shahnaz Rahmatullah | A deeply emotional spiritual track. |
| Dui Bhubane Dui Bashinda | Nazrul Islam Babu | Moloy Kumar Ganguly | Celebrated for its philosophical depth. |
A Global Resonance
The breadth of Shah Newaz’s influence is evident in the calibre of artists who sought his direction. In Bangladesh, he collaborated with every major vocal powerhouse, including Mohammad Abdul Jabbar, Syed Abdul Hadi, Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin, and Andrew Kishore.
Beyond national borders, his melodic genius attracted international legends. The late Bhupen Hazarika and the renowned Haimanti Shukla both lent their voices to his compositions, cementing his reputation as a composer of regional significance.
Final Rites
Shah Newaz leaves behind a grieving wife, a daughter, two sons, and a vast community of admirers. While he will be buried in Montreal, his melodies remain woven into the cultural fabric of Bangladesh. He was a man who spoke through his harmonium and his scores, and though the composer has fallen silent, his “parallel lines” of music and memory will continue to run alongside the lives of his listeners forever.