Legendary singer Syed Abdul Hadi turns 86 on 1 July, marking another milestone in a career that has shaped Bangla music for more than six decades. With his distinctive voice and unforgettable performances, he remains one of the most celebrated figures in the country’s musical heritage. In recognition of his lifelong contribution, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy recently announced a special honour for the veteran artiste.
Born in 1940 in Shahpur village of Kasba upazila in Brahmanbaria, Hadi spent his childhood across several cities. Although his ancestral home is in Brahmanbaria, he was born in Agartala and grew up in Sylhet, Brahmanbaria and Kolkata before pursuing higher education in Rangpur and Dhaka.
His father, Syed Abdul Hai, an East Pakistan Civil Service (EPCS) officer, nurtured a deep love for music. A keen singer and collector of gramophone records, he inspired his son to pursue music from an early age. Hadi largely taught himself by listening to songs and performing before beginning formal musical training.
His structured musical journey began after he became friends with Raja Hossain Khan, a relative of the legendary Ustad Alauddin Khan. Inspired by Raja Hossain Khan’s sitar practice, Hadi came under the guidance of Ustad Israil, who introduced him to formal training.
In 1958, Hadi enrolled in the Bangla Department at the University of Dhaka, where he later completed his master’s degree. During his university years, he received guidance from renowned musicians Subal Das, P C Gomes, Abdul Ahad and Abdul Latif. Their encouragement helped shape his artistic career.
He entered the film industry as a playback singer in 1960 at the age of 20. He later recalled receiving just Tk 10 for his first recording, saying the amount was enough to treat his friends to cutlets, watch a film and still have money left.
His breakthrough came in 1964 with his first solo playback song for the film Dakbabu. Mohammad Moniruzzaman wrote the song and Ali Hossain composed it. In the same year, his radio song Kichhu Bolo, Ei Nirjon Prohorer Konaguloo Hridoy Madhuri Diye Bhore Tolo, composed by Abdul Ahad, became immensely popular and remains one of the classics of Bangla romantic music.
Beyond singing, Hadi was among the first four producers of Bangladesh Television during its formative years. He also taught for a period at Jagannath University. His playback career produced many memorable songs, including Sokhi Cholona Jolshaghore Ebar Jai from the film Ghuddi, composed by Lucky Akhand.
He won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer five times for Golapi Ekhon Traine (1978), Sundori (1979), Kasai (1980), Goriber Bou (1990) and Khoma (1992).
Hadi also earned widespread admiration for his patriotic songs and made a lasting contribution to Rabindra Sangeet. His solo album Jokhon Bhanglo Milonmela, released during the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Rabindranath Tagore, highlighted another dimension of his musical artistry.
The Government of Bangladesh honoured him with the Ekushey Padak in 2000, the country’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music. Alongside five National Film Awards and numerous other honours, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s latest recognition adds another chapter to his distinguished career.
Outside music, Hadi also built an accomplished professional career. After completing his postgraduate studies, he moved to the United Kingdom, joined the University of Wales and later retired as Principal Librarian. Despite living abroad, he remained closely connected to Bangla music.
With the depth, warmth and emotional resonance of his voice, Syed Abdul Hadi has captivated generations of listeners. At 86, he remains a living legend whose songs continue to define the golden era of Bangla music and inspire audiences across generations.
