A nostalgic wave has swept across social media feeds recently, as users widely share a timeless classic to express solidarity and protest against a cyberbullying incident targeting a government primary school head teacher in Sylhet. Teachers, artists, and people from diverse backgrounds have been attaching their photographs and videos to the moving track, bringing the legendary song back into the cultural spotlight. This digital resurgence has naturally reignited public interest in Mesba Rahman, the frontman of the iconic Bangladeshi band Different Touch and the voice behind the beloved classic “Shraboner Meghgulo Joro Holo Akashe”.
The birth of this iconic track dates back to a rainy monsoon night in 1987. While working on a new album, the band required one final track to complete their project. Amidst days of relentless downpours, lyricist Ashraf Babu conceived the evocative line, “Shraboner Meghgulo Joro Holo Akashe,” and penned the lyrics that very night. Over time, the song cemented its place as the definitive signature tune of Different Touch. Reflecting on its unexpected modern resurgence as a powerful medium for public solidarity, Mesba Rahman expressed deep appreciation, noting that witnessing people use their music as a language of protest is the greatest reward an artist could ask for. He also addressed the recent controversy surrounding the viral video of head teacher Beauty Rani Pal, stating he found nothing objectionable in it and welcoming the public’s creative use of the song.
Reminiscing about the early days of Different Touch, Mesba recalled the golden era of audio cassettes and television broadcasts. The band first performed the track during a special Eid programme on Bangladesh Television (BTV), which served as their breakthrough moment before the subsequent album release propelled them to nationwide fame. His journey with the song is filled with fond memories, including a humorous and uncanny coincidence during a concert at Jahangir University. On their first visit, torrential rain began the exact moment they started the track, forcing them to halt the show to protect expensive equipment. Remarkably, when invited back the following year, the exact same weather phenomenon repeated itself—a quirk that remains a cherished memory for the artist.
Whether performing at home or abroad, Mesba notes that the audience’s overwhelming enthusiasm remains constant, often taking over the lyrics entirely if he misses a line. He attributes the song’s enduring success not just to its poetic lyrics and melody, but to its meticulous musical arrangement. According to him, the distinctive opening guitar riff establishes an immediate emotional connection with the listener, proving that exceptional composition is vital for a song’s longevity.
Currently, Mesba maintains a bustling schedule with domestic and international stage performances. He has recently delivered live sets in Gazipur, Cumilla, Khulna, and Bogura, alongside appearances at high-profile events such as the “Sobar Age Bangladesh” concert at the Parliament premises and a cultural gathering at Dhaka University’s Sufia Kamal Hall. Alongside his live commitments, he is finalising new material in the studio. Several new tracks have already been previewed on stage to encouraging responses, and the band plans to release them with accompanying music videos through their official YouTube channel. Embracing the renewed interest as a fresh professional responsibility, Mesba remains inspired to deliver new music and reconnect deeply with a younger generation of listeners.
