THROUGH THE EYES OF SADI MOHAMMAD

A legendary Rabindra Sangeet singer, teacher and composer of Bangladesh, Sadi Mohammad has an amazing portfolio that will easily baffle anyone. He has been active in playback singing for movies and dramas. He debuted as a music composer when he released the album "Amakey Khujey Pabey Bhorer Shishirey". His albums "Srabon Akashey" was released in 2009 and "Sharthok Janom Amar" in 2012. Sadi Mohammad successfully completed his Bachelor's and Masters degrees in Rabindra Sangeet from the "Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan". He received a huge number of prestigious awards, including "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Channel i in 2012 and "Rabindra Award" by Bangla Academy in 2015. He is the Director of the cultural organization,"Rabi Raag".

INSPIRATION

Undoubtedly, my inspiration is "Shantiniketan" which means "abode of peace". The atmospheric condition of "Shantiniketan" was extremely enthusiastic. Classes then, especially those of music, dance and drama were often taken place in the open air. The relationships between teachers and students were very friendly and full of warmth. Interestingly, there was no ego clashes among the great singers. That taught me how to be modest. Therefore, I must say that I got the chance to smell the colossal beauty of art in the lap of nature and that is my inspiration. 



PHILOSOPHY

I believe in the philosophy of the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. I do believe that the Almighty lives in His creations; and by loving others, anyone can be gratified by the shower of His blessings. I don't ever bother if someone cheats on me. In my point of view, the person cheating on me is actually cheating on himself because I have been stable in my position but internally he may not be so.



VIEWS ON HIS PROFESSION

Life is harmonious, every creation has its own rhythm. The dazzling waterfall, the chirping of birds, the pleasant sound of dried leaves, even the crying of a newborn baby and the pumping of our hearts; all these have their own rhythm and a unique melodious flow. Singing is my addiction, passion and also profession. For our country's perspective, to take singing as a profession is very challenging. However, some of the songs of the  newcomers are really appreciable; for instance, my student Aditi Mohsin, Anima Roy and some others are doing a good job. My behest to the youth is to focus more on our root songs, it's the only way to secure our rich culture as well.



MUSIC

I like all forms of music; yet, my thirst for Rabindra Sangeet is eternal. I mostly like the songs based on the beauty of Bangladesh on different seasons, especially the songs of Rainy and Spring. The congruous practice of our root songs like- Rabindra Sangeet, Nazul Sangeet, Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, Polli Geeti, all these help to re-frame our culture and set the ethics in mind. 



FILMS

I have enjoyed a huge number of movies of different nations. In case of Bengali movies, I would love to watch the movies of Satyajit Ray, an outstanding film-maker. I used to watch movies of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen at my early age. I also watch English and Arabian movies. Among the Hollywood movies "The Bicycle Thief", "Roman Holiday", "Sunflower" and "100 Rifles" are some of my favorites. 



BOOKS

Reading books has always been an addiction to me. Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay is one of my favorite writers. I read a lot of books of him; simultaneously, the short stories of Rabindranath Tagore, the novels of Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay, Samaresh Basu, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay enchant me the most.



FUTURE PLAN

Singing is more like a meditation; the more it is practiced, the more one can become confident. I always keep myself busy in practicing, taking classes of my students and arranging programs by our organization, "Rabi Raag" year round. In each of the six appealing seasons, we arrange a program called "Srotar Ashor", which will be taken place on the coming 14th February, 2017, on the occasion of Valentine's Day. Then comes the celebration of "Chaitra Sankranti" which would probably take place at the auditorium of the Public Library or the National Museum. Consequently, the celebration of "Pohela Boishakh" and "Barsha Mongol" will also be arranged by us. Recently, I am coming with two upcoming CDs; one is by Bengal and another includes "Panchokobir Gaan". 



IDOLS

I have so many idols in my entire life. Unquestionably, my parents are my idols, my teachers and so many instructors in each phase of my life are my idols. Therefore, my guru Konika Bandyopadhyay, Shantideb Ghosh, Oshesh Bandyopadhyay, Nilima Sen have become my idols. However, the person whose astonishing contributions have somehow left a deep impression on me, is none but our beloved Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.

By Shawreen Rahman