James Pays Emotional Tribute to Badal

Bangladeshi music icon James has paid a deeply emotional tribute to his long-time friend and music producer Faruk Kabir Badal, recalling him not merely as a professional associate but as an inseparable part of his extended family. Speaking during a recent phone conversation, James became visibly overwhelmed as he revisited decades of shared memories, underscoring the personal depth of their relationship.

Faruk Kabir Badal passed away on 2 May. After spending many years abroad, he returned to Bangladesh approximately three years ago. However, upon his return, his social interactions remained limited. In his final years, he lived alone in a residential apartment in the Khilkhet area of Dhaka, maintaining minimal contact with others.

The professional relationship between James and Badal began in the 1990s, a formative era for modern Bangladeshi rock music. Their collaboration was centred around the iconic Sargam Studio, which played a pivotal role in shaping James’s early solo career. It was within this creative environment that their working relationship gradually evolved into a profound and enduring friendship.

James’s first solo album was released in 1999, followed by a second in 2003. These early works were instrumental in establishing him as a leading figure in the country’s contemporary music scene, bringing both critical acclaim and commercial success. Despite these achievements, James has emphasised that the most meaningful aspect of that period was not fame or recognition, but the human bond he shared with Badal.

He described their relationship as one built on companionship, trust, emotional exchange, and mutual reliance. Beyond the recording studio, they shared countless hours of conversation, humour, disagreements, and reconciliation. According to James, time and circumstance may have altered many aspects of life, but their bond remained remarkably intact over the years.

Following changes in the music industry during the mid-1990s, Badal gradually withdrew from mainstream production work. He eventually moved abroad and remained away from the core music circuit for nearly 27 years. Despite this long absence, his connection to close collaborators and friends was never fully severed, even if it became infrequent.

A significant reconnection occurred on 15 August last year when lyricist Bappi Khan met Badal in northern Dhaka during a family-related visit. Initially unrecognised, Badal was later identified, leading to an emotional reunion. Photographs from the meeting were later shared publicly, which ultimately helped reconnect James with news of his old friend.

At the time, James was abroad. After learning about the encounter, he obtained Badal’s contact number through Bappi Khan and made a phone call. The conversation lasted approximately ten minutes, during which both men shared laughter, recollections of their early years, and reflections on their shared journey in music. James has since described that call as one of the most meaningful moments of his life.

The key milestones in Badal’s life are summarised below:

Badal’s passing has left a profound impact on James, who regards him as far more than a colleague. He believes Badal’s contribution to the Bangladeshi music industry, particularly during its formative modern phase, will continue to be remembered by peers and admirers alike.