Shafin Ahmed talks about his illustrious mother

July 28 marks the 86th birth anniversary of legendary Nazrul singer Feroza Begum. Her legacy lives on. The Swadhinata Padak awardee's sons Shafin and Hamin Ahmed are pioneering musicians in their own right. Today Shafin Ahmed shares some cherished memories of his mother with The Daily Star.

Did your mother support and inspire you in shaping your musical career?

Shafin Ahmed: My mother always believed I could sing traditional songs well, and she thought that if I invested some effort in Mumbai, I would become a well-established playback singer there. But I wanted to pave my own path and she took pride in my aspiration. When I was composing Bangla songs, she listened to them carefully, and gave advice on the making of songs, choice of lyrics, singing techniques and other facets. 

Both your parents were legendary figures in Bangla music; how did they react when you veered towards rock and roll?

Shafin Ahmed: Yes, both my parents were legendary names not just in classical Bangla music, but also modern songs and Nazrul Sangeet. Ma used to bring western records from India. I still remember the albums like “Tom Jones” where Ma liked the song "Green Green Grass of Home...” She also listened to Cliff Richard and bought The Beatles' “Rubber Soul” album for us. Her personal favourites were Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. I disturbed everyone in the house with loud music from records, instruments set up in living rooms, but even then they didn't discourage me. They probably could see something good coming of it!

What aspects of your mother's personality shaped your life and your decisions?

Shafin Ahmed: Everyone in the music arena knew about Feroza Begum's tough principles. She was highly successful, yet never made compromises. I always find so much to learn from her life which works as my inspiration.  There was a lot to learn from aspects of her personality that gained great honour and respect, how she presented herself in performance and in the media. Her commitment to home, family and music was exemplary. Dedication to her chosen subject of Nazrul Sangeet could be a lesson for everyone. I know how tough she was, how she battled many adversities in life and still went on.

What are your fondest memories of your mother?

Shafin Ahmed: Some of the fondest memories would be her  cooking. Her scrambled eggs, lamb chops and smoked Hilsa were incomparable. I remember our walks on London streets. I remember her cleaning my single room in London when I went for studies. She brought big packs of cashew nuts from Kolkata, which I loved.

Any new albums on the horizon?

Shafin Ahmed:  Yes, I am working on a Nazrul album, where I will sing renditions based on Nazrul's writing, my father's compositions and Feroza Begum's recordings. I am preparing to launch this in the current month. This month is the birth anniversary of both my parents Feroza Begum and Kamol Dasgupta, and amazingly, their wedding anniversary was also on July 28.

I would like to add one important point here, and that is, for anyone wanting to record songs of Kamol Dagupta's composition, be it modern songs or Nazrul songs, they should take written authorisation from their sons, for matters related to copyright laws. 

Their legacy: For the children of Feroza Begum and Kamol Dasgupta, Hamin Ahmed, Mohammad Tahsin and Shafin Ahmed… music is a passion. Photo: Courtesy