In the rich tapestry of Bengali music, few melodies are as ubiquitous during celebrations as the song ‘Aaj Janmodin Tomar’ (Today is Your Birthday). Written and composed by the legendary Prince Mahmud, the track was immortalised by the soulful and resonant voice of Shafin Ahmed. Today marks the birth anniversary of the man who gave the Bengali-speaking world its unofficial birthday anthem. Born on this day in 1961, the iconic musician would have celebrated his 65th birthday had he not departed for the “land of no return” two years ago.
Table of Contents
A Pedigree of Musical Royalty
Shafin Ahmed’s journey into the world of melodies was almost predestined. He was the son of two towering figures in the history of South Asian music: the legendary Nazrul Sangeet exponent Firoza Begum and the prolific composer Kamal Dasgupta. Growing up in a household where the air was thick with classical ragas and poetic verses, Shafin received his primary musical education from his parents—a foundation that would later allow him to revolutionise the Bangladeshi rock and pop landscape.
From London to the Heart of Bangladeshi Rock
After completing his formal education in the United Kingdom, Shafin returned to Bangladesh with a fresh perspective on sound and performance. He became the face and the primary voice of Miles, one of the pioneering bands in the country. With his distinctive bass playing and baritone vocals, he helped Miles transition from a hospitality-sector cover band into a powerhouse of original Bengali rock.
His career was not limited to band dynamics; Shafin found immense success as a solo artist, producing hits that resonated across generations. In the final chapter of his life, after parting ways with the original lineup of Miles, he continued his musical odyssey under the banner ‘Voice of Miles’, ensuring that the legacy of the songs he helped create remained alive for his fans.
The Legacy of a Legend
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Shafin Ahmed |
| Date of Birth | 14 February 1961 |
| Parentage | Firoza Begum & Kamal Dasgupta |
| Education | United Kingdom |
| Primary Band | Miles (Joined in 1979) |
| Iconic Birthday Track | Aaj Janmodin Tomar |
| Final Act | Voice of Miles |
An Enduring Influence
Shafin Ahmed’s contribution to the music industry extended beyond his vocal range. He was a trailblazer in introducing modern production techniques and western-inspired arrangements to Bengali compositions. Even in his absence, his voice remains a staple of every celebration, heartbreak, and patriotic gathering. Today, fans across the globe are pausing to remember the artist who taught a nation how to rock while staying true to its melodic roots.