James has spent more than four decades in the spotlight, with a guitar in his hands and millions of listeners singing along. But music is not the only creative world that fascinates the rock icon. Away from the stage, he is also known to fans for another passion, photography.
That side of James took centre stage on Thursday, a day before his birthday, when a photography exhibition was held in Purbachal in the capital. The exhibition offered a glimpse into the creative side of the musician better known as ‘Guru’ and ‘Nagar Baul’.
James celebrates his birthday on 2 October. Born in Naogaon in 1964, he spent his childhood and adolescence in Chattogram. His father was a government official who later served as chairman of an education board. His family wanted him to study and build a settled life. James, however, was already drawn to music.
His family did not approve of his passion. After falling out with his father over music, the young James left home and moved into Aziz Boarding in Chattogram.
It was there, in a small room, that his musical journey truly began. Leaving behind the comfort of home for an uncertain life perhaps helped shape the earthy and wandering Baul quality that later became part of his music.
In 1980, James formed Feelings, serving as its lead guitarist and vocalist. The band released its first album, Station Road, in 1987. It did not immediately connect with the musical tastes of listeners at the time.
But the following year brought the turning point. His solo album Ononna was released in 1988, and James became an overnight sensation. He never looked back.
Albums such as Jail Theke Bolchi (1990), Nagar Baul (1996), Lace Fita Lace (1998) and Dushtu Cheler Dol (2001) carried band music deep into the hearts of young listeners. Songs such as ‘Baba Koto Din’, ‘Maa’, ‘Dukhini Dukkho Koro Na’ and ‘Bondhu, Likhte Pari Na Kono Gaan Aj Tumi Chhara’ became more than hits.
For many, they became the soundtrack to adolescence, love and loneliness.
With his unruly hair and guitar, James can change the atmosphere of a stage the moment he walks onto it. Fans call him ‘Guru’. He is also known as the ‘guitar man with unruly hair’. In the music world, he is ‘Nagar Baul’ — a wandering Baul voice rising from the middle of the city’s chaos.
James has also found success in film music. He won National Film Awards for his songs in Desha: The Leader and Satta. His voice has earned a distinct place among listeners of big-screen music.
There was a time when fans would organise elaborate celebrations around his birthday. That changed after the death of his close friend and legendary guitarist Ayub Bachchu in 2018. James asked his fans not to organise birthday celebrations for him.
More than four decades after he first picked up the guitar, James remains a major presence on stage. Young crowds still gather when his name appears on a concert bill.
The boy who once left home and sat with his guitar in a corner of Aziz Boarding has become a beloved figure for millions.
And perhaps the photography exhibition offered another way to see that familiar figure — not only as the ‘Guru’ behind the microphone, but as an artist who also finds inspiration behind the camera.
On his birthday, the wish remains simple: may the guitar strings stay tuned, and may the Guru’s music keep playing.
