Bangladesh’s celebrated singer Tapan Chowdhury has returned to the music scene after a period of relative quiet, showcasing not only his vocal talents but also his skills as a composer. Known for his long-standing role as the lead vocalist of the iconic band Souls, Tapan has earned a permanent place in the hearts of music enthusiasts across the country. Currently based in Canada, he remains actively involved in a variety of musical projects and collaborative artistic initiatives.
In a recent collaboration, Tapan has composed the first original song for emerging singer Priyanka Gop, titled “Koto Din Hoyni Dekha” (“It’s Been So Long Since We Met”). The song features lyrics by Kabir Bakul and music arrangement by Ujjwal Sinha. Crafted as a heartfelt reflection on love, nostalgia, and the pain of prolonged separation, the composition seeks to capture the delicate interplay of longing and memory.
A translated excerpt from the song reads:
“It’s been so long since we met, so long I haven’t seen you; just for a fleeting glance, my heart breaks and mends all at once.”
Priyanka Gop is a trained musician from Rabindra Bharati University, having studied under eminent mentors including Pandit Arun Bhattacharya, Ainan Chakraborty, Ashit Roy, Wahidul Haque, Subir Nandi, and Shubhra Ghosh. Proficient in Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, and Indian classical music, she currently serves as Chair of the Music Department at the University of Dhaka. In 2015, she won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her performance in the film One Day of Anil Bagchi.
Priyanka expressed her admiration for her mentor:
“I grew up listening to Tapan Dada’s music. It is a rare honour to perform a song composed by such a talented artist, and I will give it my wholehearted rendition.”
Lyricist Kabir Bakul added:
“We wrote this song many years ago. Now Tapan Dada has reimagined it for Priyanka. While it was performed by other artists before, this marks Priyanka’s first formal recording.”
Song Details
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Koto Din Hoyni Dekha |
| Composer | Tapan Chowdhury |
| Lyricist | Kabir Bakul |
| Music Arrangement | Ujjwal Sinha |
| Singer | Priyanka Gop |
| Release Date | To be announced |
| Educational Background | Rabindra Bharati University |
| Awards | National Film Award, 2015 |
The recording has been completed, with an official release expected shortly. Music critics and listeners alike have expressed eager anticipation, suggesting that this collaboration may leave a significant mark on Bangladesh’s contemporary music landscape.