A song originally conceived as a commercial jingle has, over time, evolved into one of the most emotionally resonant musical pieces associated with Eid travel in Bangladesh. “Shopno Jabe Bari” — first released in 2009 as part of a telecommunications advertisement composed and arranged by Habib Wahid and sung by Milon Mahmud — has since transcended its commercial origins. Its sequel, released in 2016 with lyrics by Russell Mahmud and vocals by Mithun Chakraborty, cemented its place in popular culture.
Each year, as Eid approaches and millions prepare to return to their hometowns, the second version of the song resurfaces across social media platforms, often described as an unofficial “anthem” of homecoming. Its evocative melody and deeply relatable theme have made it an enduring favourite.
Speaking in a recent interview, musician Mithun Chakraborty described his involvement in the song as transformative. He referred to it as a “second birth” in his artistic journey, emphasising that while many listeners remain unaware that he performed the widely cherished version, he harbours no disappointment. Instead, he finds fulfilment in the song’s widespread acceptance and emotional impact.
“When a creation becomes part of people’s lives, there is little more an artist can ask for,” he remarked. “It feels like a lifelong honour bestowed by nature itself.”
Interestingly, Mithun revealed that he was not initially slated to perform the track. It was composer Habib Wahid who selected him for the project — a decision that ultimately proved pivotal. What began as a “dummy voice”, as Mithun modestly described it, gained immense value once embraced by audiences nationwide.
Beyond this iconic track, Mithun has remained actively engaged in the music industry. He has recently lent his voice to commercial jingles for digital financial services and continues to collaborate with various brands. He noted that such projects, though brief, are often technically demanding and creatively challenging.
Key Milestones of the Song
| Year | Version | Vocalist | Composer | Notable Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Original | Milon Mahmud | Habib Wahid | Introduced as advertisement jingle |
| 2016 | Sequel | Mithun Chakraborty | Habib Wahid | Became cultural anthem for Eid travel |
Apart from singing, Mithun is also an accomplished instrumentalist, particularly skilled in rhythm-based instruments. He views his entire body as an “instrument”, reflecting a deeply holistic approach to music. While he admits to being less proficient with melodic instruments, his passion for them remains strong.
Looking ahead, Mithun has ambitious plans to focus more on his singing career. He is currently developing a personal project titled “Art of Chakra”, through which he intends to release new music regularly. Additionally, he hinted at an upcoming song in a film slated for release during Eid, though details remain undisclosed.
At present, Mithun’s schedule is filled with diverse musical engagements. He performs as a drummer alongside fellow musician Iman Chowdhury in a project called “Bengal Symphony”, contributes to film soundtracks, and is involved in productions associated with Coke Studio Bangla.
Despite his growing recognition, Mithun remains grounded, describing himself simply as a drummer who continues to learn and evolve. As audiences eagerly await his forthcoming works, his journey stands as a testament to how a single song can redefine an artist’s identity and leave a lasting imprint on a nation’s cultural landscape.