PHOTO: SHEIKH MEHEDI MORSHED

“Music direction is an immense job. Though directing for several years, I still don't consider myself a director,” says a humble Partha Mojumdar, who has professionally composed music for several film songs and adhunik numbers recorded by popular singers -- Bappa Mazumder, SI Tutul, Fahmida Nabi, Elita, Tahsan and others since 1992. 

His popular compositions include “Ei Srabon-e Tumi, “Ami Akash Hobo” and “Ke ANke Onno Chhobi”, recorded by Bappa Mazumder, Fahmida Nabi and Tahsan.

“It is essential to have a sound knowledge on music for direction. Besides, an expertise on the sound and technicality of different instruments with the capacity of imparting  artistic feelings is necessary.  A sense of deep respect and humbleness towards every musician is a must, as the art of music demands it,” mentions the artiste. 

Elaborating on the contribution of unsung maestros, Partha says, “Those who pioneered and carried forward the legacy of classical music have gone through crisis. Many died unrecognised despite having immense talent and contribution towards classical music. I do have deep reverence to that form of art, but I have to live and earn my bread.”  

“Without state or corporate patronage, high art like classical music cannot be sustained. A country can never move its cultural heritage forward without nurturing the artistes. Today artistes are not taking lessons on acoustic instruments like sitar, sarod, tabla, baNshi, dotara, ektara, relying on keyboards and software instead. Soon there will be none to play these instruments. Too many consider themselves singers while they are unable to perform melodically during live performances,” he adds.      

Partha Mojumdar recently composed and directed music for an album titled “Roudrer Jol” where noted Indian artistes Srikanto Acharya and Shubhomita lent their voices. Siddique Abu Bakar wrote lyrics for the album. 

“I have incorporated acoustic instruments like sitar, sarod, violin, baNshi, esraj and tabla for the album to recreate the musical trend of the golden era,” says the musician. 

Elaborating on his upcoming works he says, “I am now working on Tahsan's single track album, an album by Bappa and the third album of my band 'Dhrubotara'. Popular writer-filmmaker Humayun Ahmed gave the band its name in 2005, and we worked on most of the songs used in his films. Our first album was self-titled while our second album 'Dukkho Poka' came out in 2007. Zahid Akbar, TI Ontor, Kayes Chowdhury and Humayun Ahmed wrote songs for our albums. SI Tutul is the singer of the band. I am the team leader and bassist of the seven-member band. Other members are Selim Reza, Sayeed Hasan Babu, Bappy, Raj and Rasel,” says Partha.  

“Music is my dream. I dream of founding a museum where I would like to keep various musical instruments of our heritage,” he concludes.

Hailing from a Zaminder family of Pabna, Partha Sharothi Mojumdar, the elder son of eminent classical music artistes -- Pandit Barin Majumdar and Ila Majumdar -- has been composing and directing music for years. He is an accomplished tabla artiste as well. Popular singer-musician Bappa Mazumder is his younger brother. His other brother -- Partha Pratim Majumder, is an internationally famous mime artist based in Paris, France.