Baul singer Kanai Das, whose voice carried themes of spirituality, humanity and folk devotion, passed away on April 18, leaving behind a rare and final musical legacy in Bangladeshi cinema.
The West Bengal-based artist, known for travelling across villages, fairs and traditional akhras with his ektara, built a reputation through deeply philosophical songs that reflected everyday life and spiritual reflection.
Among his well-known numbers are ‘Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi’ and ‘Ke Bole Manush More’, which earned him recognition within the Baul tradition.
Before his death, Kanai Das recorded a song for director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s upcoming film ‘Roid’. The track marks his first and only playback recording for cinema and is expected to be released as part of the film’s soundtrack.
Sumon, who had previously featured Baul music in his film ‘Hawa’, said the singer had expressed a wish to hear the completed version of the song but passed away before that could happen. He described the recording as a meaningful moment, noting that Kanai Das had spoken about never being approached for film playback before.
Sumon’s film ‘Roid’, which is awaiting release, has already unveiled its first song, ‘Roide Aila Ga Juraite’, performed by Rajib Ahmed Raju with music direction by Rashid Sharif Shoaib. The soundtrack continues the film’s engagement with folk and Baul influences.
The film features Mostafizur Noor Imran, Nazifa Tushi and Gazi Rakayet in key roles.
While details of Kanai Das’s final song have not yet been disclosed, the team has indicated that it will be released in due course, standing as a posthumous tribute to the late folk artist.
