Guitarist Selim Haidar is one of the frontline western-influenced musicians in Bangladesh. As a self-made musician, Selim started to play the guitar in his early childhood. His first major success was when he won a pop contest as the Best lead guitarist in 1976. Inspired by this win, Selim formed a band named Ultrasonic with his fellow Anglo-Indians in the 1980s.

Selim regrets that he has not yet attained wide recognition. He says, 'Although I think I am one of the pioneer guitarists of the country, very few people are acquainted with my work. Maybe this is because I was not adequately focused. But I am very optimistic about playing the guitar another 20 years or so.'

When a change took place in the original line up of Ultrasonic, band members started to play in the then Hotel Continental. He was also the founding member of the popular band Feedback. But he did not stay with Feedback for long. When he went back to play in the hotels, eminent music directors like Ali Hossain, Alauddin Ali and Shatya Shaha told him to perform for the playback. In this turning point, soundtracks brought him popularity. But his family was reluctant to let him enter the world of the silver screen.

He made his debut in films by playing the guitar in Nishan. Later, he became well known by playing in the song Neshar latim jhim dhorechhe from the film Din jay katha thake. Going back in time, Selim recalls, 'I still remember the time vividly. In the live recording, among other performers Sheikh Ishtiak was playing the acoustic guitar while Subir Nandi was rendering the song. It was such an informal and friendly environment, which is difficult to forget!'

Meanwhile, he formed another band named Reflex after quitting Feedback in 1987. According to Selim, 'Those three years of the band, were the best time of my music career. I used to render songs as well. Playing guitar, as a part of the band, was very satisfying and I had peace of mind then.' The band released a self-titled album in 1988. But at the same time Feedback released their album Mela that was a massive hit. Selim regrets, 'Because of the over publicity of the album Mela, our album could not reach its goal.' Another sad milestone was the departure of vocalist Romel for the US--which led to a split up of the band.

However, Selim did not give up. He stepped ahead with innovative ideas. To quote him, ' I released an album containing modern songs only. Promising signers like Shumona Haque, Fahmida Malek and Afreen Haque Alo rendered songs in that album.' In 1997 popular vocal artiste Maksud requested Selim to join Feedback again. Selim consented and joined again. But after the release of the album Nishiddha, he once again quit the band for personal reasons.

He admires Aiyub Bachchu, Kamol (former guitarist of Warfaze ) and Hamin Ahmed of Miles at home while his idols are Carlos Santana and Al-De-Meola, who are considered as living legends.

Selim has a dream: to make a unique contribution to the musical world. He was involved with the Bangladesh Musical Development Institute (BMDI), established by popular singer Ferdous Wahid. Selim regrets that there is inadequate government patronage for instrument players. As he says, 'The government should take active steps to promote music as well as to nurture musical talent.'