Some voices transcend generations, leaving an impression that time can never erase. Andrew Kishore was one such remarkable artist. For more than four decades, his voice became an integral part of Bangladeshi cinema, bringing extraordinary depth to songs about love, heartbreak, happiness, sorrow and the complexities of everyday life. Affectionately known as the ‘Playback Emperor’ of Bangladesh, he earned a special place in the hearts of millions through his distinctive singing style and remarkable emotional expression.

Born on 4 November 1955 in Rajshahi, Andrew Kishore’s full name was Andrew Kishore Kumar Baroi. His parents were Kshitish Chandra Baroi and Minu Baroi. His interest in music developed during childhood. At the age of six, he began receiving musical training from renowned music teacher Ustad Abdul Aziz Bachchu in Rajshahi. Those early lessons laid the foundation for a career that would eventually make him one of the most celebrated voices in Bangladesh.

Kishore began his musical journey as a child performer on Rajshahi Radio in 1962. Following Bangladesh’s Liberation War, he became an enlisted artist of the radio station, performing Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, modern songs, folk music and patriotic compositions. His ability to perform across different musical genres demonstrated his versatility from an early age.

Alongside his musical activities, he pursued higher education in the Management Department at the University of Rajshahi. Although he completed his academic studies, music remained his greatest passion and eventually became the defining pursuit of his life.

The beginning of an extraordinary playback career

Andrew Kishore entered the Bangladeshi film music industry in 1977. His playback debut came with the film Mail Train, for which he sang ‘Achinpurer Rajkumari Nei Je Tar Keu’, composed by renowned music director Alam Khan.

His breakthrough followed in 1979 with the song ‘Ek Chor Jay Chole E Mon Churi Kore’ from director A J Mintu’s film Protigga. The song brought him widespread recognition and helped establish his position in the film industry. From that point onwards, opportunities continued to grow, and he gradually became one of the most sought-after playback singers in Bangladeshi cinema.

His professional music career spanned 43 years, from 1977 to 2020. During this period, he lent his voice to thousands of songs across numerous films. His performances captured a wide range of human emotions, from the excitement of romantic love to the pain of separation and the struggles of ordinary people.

Among his most celebrated songs are ‘Hay Re Manush Rongin Fanush’, ‘Jiboner Golpo Achhe Baki Olpo’, ‘Amar Shara Deho Kheyo Go Mati’, ‘Dak Diyachhen Doyal Amare’, ‘Amar Buker Moddhikhane’, ‘Shobai To Bhalobasha Chay’, ‘Tumi Jekhane Ami Shekhane’ and ‘Beder Meye Jyotsna Amay Kotha Diyechhe’.

These songs remain deeply popular among Bangla-speaking audiences. Many continue to evoke memories of classic Bangladeshi films, while their emotional appeal has introduced Kishore’s music to younger generations.

One of the most distinctive aspects of his singing was his ability to communicate the meaning and emotion of a song naturally. His deep, expressive voice could convey affection, anguish, nostalgia and longing without losing its musical balance. When his songs accompanied leading actors on screen, audiences often felt that the characters themselves were expressing their innermost feelings.

Although playback singers remain behind the scenes, Kishore’s voice became an essential part of the cinematic experience. His performances helped strengthen the emotional connection between film characters and audiences, making him an indispensable figure in the country’s film music industry.

His musical achievements were not confined to Bangladesh. He also lent his voice to films in India and had the opportunity to perform compositions by legendary Indian music director R D Burman. Such experiences reflected the reach of his talent beyond national boundaries.

Eight National Film Awards

Andrew Kishore’s contribution to Bangladeshi music received significant recognition throughout his career. He won Bangladesh’s National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer eight times, establishing himself as one of the country’s most highly acclaimed playback artists.

His first National Film Award came in 1982 for the song ‘Hay Re Manush Rongin Fanush’ from the film Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo. He subsequently received the prestigious honour for his performances in Surrender, Khotipuron, Padma Meghna Jamuna, Kobul, Aj Gaye Holud, Shajghar and Ki Jadu Korila.

Winning the National Film Award eight times was a remarkable achievement and reflected his consistency, dedication and exceptional vocal ability. Yet his legacy cannot be measured through awards alone. The affection of millions of listeners, many of whom grew up listening to his songs, remains one of the strongest measures of his success.

His ability to adapt his voice to different musical arrangements and cinematic situations made him a particularly valuable artist. Whether singing a romantic melody or a deeply emotional composition, he brought a distinctive character to every performance.

Family life and final years

Away from the recording studio and the film industry, Kishore led a family life with his wife, Lipika Andrew, and their two children, Sanggya and Saptak. Despite the demands of his professional commitments, his family remained an important part of his life and a source of personal support.

The final chapter of his life was marked by a difficult battle against non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. He travelled to Singapore for treatment and spent an extended period receiving medical care there.

After returning to Bangladesh, his health remained a matter of concern for his family, fellow musicians and admirers. Despite medical efforts, he eventually succumbed to the illness. Andrew Kishore died in Rajshahi on 6 July 2020, aged 64.

His death marked the end of an extraordinary musical journey and left a significant void in Bangladesh’s entertainment industry. For countless admirers, it was difficult to accept that a voice so closely associated with their memories and emotions had fallen silent.

One line from his celebrated song ‘Jiboner Golpo Achhe Baki Olpo’ acquired an especially poignant meaning following his death. The words seemed to echo the unfinished chapters of his own life. There were undoubtedly more songs he could have performed and more musical memories he could have created for his audience. Yet his journey came to an end, leaving behind a remarkable body of work.

A legacy that continues through music

Andrew Kishore’s contribution to Bangladeshi music extends far beyond his collection of popular film songs. His voice played an important role in shaping the musical identity of the country’s cinema, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, when film songs were an essential part of mainstream entertainment.

His performances helped bring cinematic stories closer to audiences. Through his voice, romantic moments became more memorable, tragic scenes gained emotional depth, and ordinary stories found a powerful musical expression.

Even years after his death, his songs continue to attract listeners of different ages. For older audiences, they bring back memories of cherished moments and classic films. Younger listeners, meanwhile, continue to discover his distinctive voice through recordings and the enduring popularity of his music.

The passing of an artist does not necessarily mark the end of his influence. In Kishore’s case, his songs have become part of Bangladesh’s musical heritage. His voice continues to accompany people through moments of happiness, heartbreak, love and nostalgia.

His remarkable career stands as a testament to dedication, artistic excellence and the lasting power of music. As long as Bangladeshi film songs remain part of the country’s cultural life, Andrew Kishore’s contribution will continue to be remembered.

He may no longer be among us, but his voice remains alive in the hearts of millions. In the vast landscape of Bangladeshi music, Andrew Kishore will forever shine as an unforgettable star.

A profound tribute to the legendary singer whose music continues to transcend generations.

Written by: A. B. M. Jakirul Haque Titon