A beloved Bangla New Year anthem is set to return in a refreshed musical arrangement, nearly 18 years after its original release. The iconic song “Baajere Baaje Dhol O Dhak”, first performed by singer Sonia, remains one of the most recognisable seasonal tracks associated with Pohela Boishakh celebrations. Despite the passage of time, the song’s popularity has endured across generations, both at home and among the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Now, production house Gaanchill Music has taken the initiative to revive the classic in a contemporary format, aiming to introduce it to a younger audience while preserving its original festive spirit.
The song was originally written by lyricist Kabir Bakul, with composition and musical arrangement by renowned music director Shaukat Ali Emon. In the newly reimagined version, Emon himself has once again taken charge of the arrangement, ensuring continuity with the original composition while incorporating modern production techniques and updated sound design.
The new rendition features a multi-artist collaboration, with Shaukat Ali Emon also lending his voice alongside popular singers Jhilik, Luipa, Atiya Anisha, and Zakia Sultana Kornia. The accompanying music video has been directed by Chandan Roy Chowdhury, promising a visually contemporary interpretation aligned with today’s audience expectations.
Key Details of the New Version
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Song | “Baajere Baaje Dhol O Dhak” |
| Lyricist | Kabir Bakul |
| Original Composer | Shaukat Ali Emon |
| New Arrangement | Shaukat Ali Emon |
| Vocalists (New Version) | Shaukat Ali Emon, Jhilik, Luipa, Atiya Anisha, Zakia Sultana Kornia |
| Production House | Gaanchill Music |
| Video Director | Chandan Roy Chowdhury |
| Release Platform | YouTube (Gaanchill Music channel) |
| Release Date | 9 April |
Speaking about the revival, Shaukat Ali Emon said the song’s enduring appeal required no introduction, noting that it has remained a staple of Pohela Boishakh celebrations for nearly two decades. He emphasised that the track has not only been popular within Bangladesh but has also received immense affection from Bangladeshi communities abroad.
According to Emon, the idea behind the new arrangement was to reconnect the song with younger listeners who may not have experienced its original release. He explained that while the essence and festive spirit of the track have been carefully preserved, the musical arrangement has been modernised with updated instrumentation and contemporary production techniques.
He added that the aim was to strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation—retaining the emotional core of the original while presenting it in a soundscape that resonates with today’s generation. He expressed confidence that young audiences would embrace the renewed version as their own.
A Cultural Favourite Returns
The decision to revisit “Baajere Baaje Dhol O Dhak” reflects a broader trend in Bangladeshi music, where classic festive songs are being reintroduced with modern reinterpretations. As Pohela Boishakh remains one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Bangladesh, such musical revivals continue to play an important role in shaping the festive mood.
Gaanchill Music founder Asif Iqbal also highlighted the cultural importance of the song, stating that it is deeply connected to Bangladeshi New Year traditions. He expressed hope that the new version would resonate strongly with both long-time listeners and new audiences, further strengthening its place in the country’s musical heritage.
The revamped version of the iconic track is set for release on 9 April via the Gaanchill Music YouTube channel, marking a nostalgic yet refreshed return of one of Bangladesh’s most cherished seasonal songs.