A new book revisits guitar legend Niloy Das

Writers Haque Faruk and Milu Aman have written a book commemorating the late guitarist and composer Niloy Das, or as his fans lovingly called him, Niloy Da.

The book, titled Niloy Da, collates tributes given to the late artist by contemporaries and peers, including big names from the industry such as Foad Naser Babu, Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal, Babna Karim, Fuad Ibne Rabbi, Sayeed Karim, Rezaul Rasel and Milu Aman. They speak fondly and recount memories of Niloy Das in the book.

An influential name in the Bangla music scene, Das pioneered modern urban Bangla music, and introduced western genres like classical, neoclassical, blues, metal, and jazz to this country. He composed and sang famous songs like "Koto Je Khujechhi Tomaye", "E Shohor" and "Jokhoni Nibir Korey", which have been remixed and reperformed time and again.

The collection also includes two interviews of Niloy Das that were taken by the founder of the band, Ark, Artist Ashiquzzaman Tulu and journalist Nasir Kaiser. It also captures snapshots of Niloy's pictures from his life and pictures of  the covers of his released albums and his discography.

Talking about the artist, co-author Milu Aman said, "Although he was admired in the world of music, many generations did not know him. This is our initiative to spread the word about the 'unsung hero' of our music, Niloy Da, and to get to know him a little more.''

Speaking to The Daily Star, he fondly added, "Niloy Da was my guitar teacher. He was everybody's guitar teacher back in those days—the only guitar teacher in town we knew! He was so open-minded, was always easy to access for almost all music lovers, and he loved to talk about music and playing."

"I've some fond memories with him, and I know there are many from those days who have the same. That's why we decided to do the book, where we can all share stories about him."

Niloy Das died of a heart attack in 2006 at the age of 45.

Publisher of the book, Ajob, noted that besides being available at the Ekushey Boi Mela next year, readers can also preorder the book online from January 1, 2023.