Remembering Subir Nandi's finest melodies

Today marks the first death anniversary of eminent singer Subir Nandi. The National Film Award-winning artiste won the hearts of millions with his melodious and melancholic songs on radio, television and films. His voice always radiated the essence of his motherland. Let us look back on his musical journey, and some of his greatest hits.

Nandi learned folk music from his guru Bidit Lal Das and entered the music industry in 1972 with his first solo song, Jodi Kew Dhup Jele Deye, written by Mohammad Muzakkar and composed by Ustad Mir Kashem. He soon went on to give his first super hit, the title song from the film, Din Jaye Kotha Thake (1979). The song was written by Khan Ataur Rahman.

Regarded as the maestro of playback singing, Nandi won his first National Award for Amar Ei Duti Chokh, from the film Mahanayak (1984). Picturised on a heartbroken Bulbul Ahmed expressing his love, the song became an instant hit. A couple of years later, Nandi came back with yet another masterpiece, Koto Je Tomake Beshechi Bhalo, written by Nazrul Islam Babu and composed by Ali Hossain for the film Usila (1986).

Ekta Chhilo Shonar Konna, his next superhit from the film Srabon Megher Din (1999), not only got him another National Award, but also became an iconic song in the country. Through the song, penned by Humayun Ahmed and composed by Maksud Jamil Mintu, Suruj Miah (Mahfuz Ahmed) describes Kusum (Meher Afroz Shaon), a simple yet extraordinary village girl, whom he loves dearly, in the film.

O Amar Ural Ponkhi Re, written by Humayun Ahmed and composed by Maksud Jamil Mintu for the film Chandrokotha (2003) is a treat for music lovers. This song by Nandi is picturised on Ferdous and Shaon.

Bhalobashi Sokale is one his most popular love songs from the film Megher Por Megh (2004). Composed by Emon Saha, the National Award-winning song features Riaz and Purnima. 

Nandi was honoured with the Ekushey Padak posthumously. He received his last National Award for playback singing for the film Mohua Sundori (2015). Throughout his illustrious career, he sang over 2500 songs. He truly is an irreplaceable asset to the music industry.