Two decades after its release, a song from the acclaimed film Hazar Bochor Dhore continues to remain closely associated with singer Anupama Mukti.
Directed by Kohinoor Akhter Shuchanda and based on the novel by the late writer Zahir Raihan, Hazar Bochor Dhore was released 20 years ago.
The film featured A.T.M. Shamsuzzaman, Riaz and Shoshi in the three central roles.
One of the film’s most popular songs, ‘Tumi Sutoy Bedhechho Shaplar Phool, Na Ki Tomar Mon’, remains familiar to listeners.
Written by Gazi Mazharul Anwar and composed and arranged by Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, the song was performed by Subir Nandi and Anupama Mukti.
The song remains Mukti’s most recognised work in cinema. Despite her sweet and melodious voice, she did not get many opportunities to sing for films afterwards.
Over the years, Mukti has released solo albums and contributed to mixed albums. She has also performed numerous songs on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar. However, the lack of opportunities in film music remains a regret.
“Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul bhai loved and encouraged me greatly. He cared for me because he believed I could sing well. It was because of him that Tumi Sutoy Bedhechho Shaplar Phool became part of my musical journey, especially alongside the hugely respected Subir Nandi,” Mukti said.
The singer said the song has remained popular even after more than 20 years.
“Even now, whenever I perform at a stage show, people request this song. It has been a blessing for my musical career. Bulbul bhai and Subir da are no longer with us, and I pray for their souls. But I still regret that I never received another song like this. I genuinely want to sing for films, and I believe the wait may finally end soon,” she said.
Mukti has also been going through a difficult period in her personal life. Her brother Anjan died on 12 May, the same day her father Abdul Hakim passed away.
As a result, she remained largely absent from stage shows for some time.
She has recently returned to performing, appearing at a show at Notre Dame Club in Dhaka alongside her daughter.
Mukti’s musical training began with her elder brother Nazmul Hasan Apu, who currently lives in Australia.
She later trained under Ustad Yakub Ali Khan and completed a certificate course in music at Bafa.
She subsequently continued her training under Yaqub Ali Khan, Sujit Mustafa and Mangal Chandra Mondal.
In 2000, Mukti married singer, composer and music director Sharif Rajkumar. Her first original song was released with lyrics and music by her husband. Her first solo album was Jhinuker Mukto.
Mukti’s real name is Monira Mukti. Her husband affectionately gave her the name Anupama.
