The song Baraai Kore, featured in the Eid-released film Pressure Cooker, has received significant audience attention since its release. The track was written, composed, and performed by Ankan Kumar. The official music video was released on YouTube on 21 March and has since reached close to one million views within approximately six weeks, indicating steady and sustained viewer interest.
The song presents an emotional expression within a romantic context, focusing on longing, attachment, and personal appeal in a relationship. Audience responses on YouTube have frequently highlighted its emotional tone and lyrical delivery. One viewer commented that the song evokes thoughts of a loved one when heard in a sincere emotional state. Another listener observed that Ankan’s work stands out due to his distinct lyrical approach, vocal sensitivity, and articulation compared with other contemporary artists.
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Origin of the performance decision
Baraai Kore was not originally intended to be performed by Ankan Kumar. The composition was initially created for music producer Zahid Nirab, who was also expected to provide the vocals. The initial creative direction of the song was developed with Nirab’s musical style in mind.
However, Zahid Nirab later recommended that Ankan Kumar should perform the song, expressing the view that it would sound more effective in his voice. Following this suggestion, Ankan agreed to record the vocals. Around the same time, discussions were taking place with the production team of film director Raihan Rafi, while filming for Pressure Cooker was ongoing. The song was subsequently included in the film’s official soundtrack.
Career development and musical approach
Ankan Kumar first came into public attention with the original song Up, released in 2022 through Hathirpool Sessions. This track marked his breakthrough into wider recognition. He later gained additional visibility with Long Distance Love, which was featured in Coke Studio Bangla.
Over the past three to four years, he has released approximately five to six original songs. A number of these have received positive responses from listeners. While much of his work explores romantic themes, he has stated that his intention is not limited to conventional depictions of love. Instead, he focuses on layered emotional experiences that arise within relationships.
These include themes such as emotional distance, separation, unfulfilled affection, and one-sided love. His artistic aim is to reflect emotional realities that are often not openly expressed in everyday life.
Ankan has also emphasised his preference for quality over quantity in music production. Rather than releasing frequent tracks, he prioritises sound design, arrangement, and production quality. He considers maintaining high standards of output essential for sustaining a long-term presence in the music industry.
Selected works overview
| Year | Song Title | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Up | Original song | Breakthrough release via Hathirpool Sessions |
| 2023 | Long Distance Love | Featured track | Included in Coke Studio Bangla |
| 2026 | Baraai Kore | Film song | Featured in Pressure Cooker, YouTube release on 21 March |
Interests beyond music
Beyond his musical career, Ankan Kumar is also involved in football, where he plays as a midfielder and striker. His personal interests include reading novels, poetry, and comics. He also engages in action video games and watches animated films during his leisure time.
Born and raised in Dhaka, Ankan comes from a family with a musical background, which contributed to his early exposure to music and training from childhood. He is currently working on his first solo album, expected to include four to five original tracks. In addition, a collaborative pop-oriented project is also under development, along with several other projects that have not yet been publicly disclosed.