Gaaner e Khatay Swaralipi

Bangladesh, a culturally rich nation, treasures an excellent dosage of romance, action, comedy and most importantly, music, in its films. With film music changing its course over time from classical to jazz, rock and metal, modern music, a genre most prominent in the Bengali film industry, has always been cherished by the audience since the mid 60s.

The black and white era of Bangladeshi cinema has not only gifted us with unparalleled stories on the silver screen, but also an array of timeless melodies. Here are a few such popular songs that are used as cellphone ringtones, played on the radio and included on most music lovers' playlists even today.

Chokh Je Moner Kotha Bole, picturised on Nayak Raj Razzak and Suchanda, is composed and sung by Khandakar Nurul Alam for Amir Hossain's film, Je Agune Puri (1970). 

Ainate Oi Mukh Dekhbe Jokhon, is another timeless track sung by Mahmudun Nabi from the movie Nacher Putul (1971), featuring Razzak and Shabnam in the read roles. The film was produced by Azizur Rahman under the banner of Rana Films and directed by Ashok Ghosh. 

Gaaner E Khatai Swaralipi Likhe, one of the most popular melodies of the 70s from the Nazrul Islam directorial, Swaralipi (1970), is composed by Subal Das. Sung by Runa Laila, the song is picturised on Razzak and Bobita.

Chumki Choleche Eka Pothe is an all-time favourite from the film, Dost Dushman (1977), composed by Alam Khan and sung by Khurshid Alam. Picturised on Shabana and Wasim, the song gained popularity for not only its composition but also the video, where Shabana rides off on a horse carriage, as Wasim follows her on a bicycle, trying to pacify her. 

Tumi Je Amar Kobita, a romantic track by Sabina Yasmin and Mahmudun Nabi, features the celebrated duo Razzak and Kabori. The song is written by Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal and composed by Subal Das for the film Dorpochurno (1980). 

Tomare Legeche Je Ato Bhalo, is another chrished choice from the film Rajdhanir Buke (1960), directed by Ehtesham. In the song, composed by Robin Ghosh and Ferdousi Rahman, the 60's heartthrob Abdur Rahman expresses his love for Shabnam. 

Gaan Hoye Ele and Nil Akasher Niche Ami, two acclaimed tracks from the Narayan Ghosh Mita directorial, Nil Akasher Niche (1969), starring Razzak, Kabori, Rozi Samad and Anwar Hossain in the lead roles, are composed by Satya Saha. 

Jodi Bou Shajo Go, from the film Waada, is popular among the audience even today. Sung by Khurshid Alam and Runa Laila, the song, picturised on Bulbul Ahmed and Bobita, is written by Masud Karim and composed by Subal Das. Runa Laila's Eka Eka Keno Bhalo Lage Na, picturised on the actor Olivia in the film The Rain (1976) delivers a delightful musical experience. The song was composed by Anwar Parvez and released in Bangla and Urdu. 

Yet another timeless track, Ektush Khani Dekho Ekkhan Kotha Rakho, from the film, Badhu Bidai (1978), directed by Kazi Zahir is the next number on this playlist. Composed by Alauddin Ali, the song is sung by Sabina Yasmin. 

Shob Shokhire Paar Korite

Among the numerous tracks that gained popularity during the 20th century, Ore Holud Pakhi Bolo Kothay Tore Rakhi, from the film Bolda was one of the most beloved. Picturied on Razzak and Nuton, the composition is sung by Subir Nandi and Anjuman Ara Begum. 

Among the many other popular tracks that were picturised on Razzak, the song Dhaka Shohore Aisha Amar Asha Furaise, from the film Ashikkhito (1978), depicts the reality for villagers who migrate to the metropolis in pursuit of their dreams. The song is sung by Shammi Akhtar and Khondokar Faruq Ahmed. It features Anjana on the silver screen, alongside the Nayak Raj.

The soundtrack of Sujon Sokhi (1975), a trendsetting romantic film starring Farooque and Kabori became popular among the youth upon its release. The track Shob Sokhire Paar Korite Nebo, sung by Abdul Alim and Sabina Yasmin still appears on the playlists of retro music lovers. Sabina Yasmin's Shondhar Chaya Neme from the film Putrobodhu (1981) is also one of the most beloved tracks of all time. The song is picturised on Shabana. 

Noyoner Alo (1984), was a romantic blockbuster by Belal Ahmed. The film's music also managed to earn a place in the audience's hearts. The romantic track, Amar Buker Moddhekhane Mon Jekhane Hridoy Sekhane, sung by Samina Chowdhury, even won a National Film Award for best female playback singing. The song is picturised on Zafar Iqbal and Suborna Mustafa. With such soothing melodies available on YouTube and other online audio platforms, a dive into the musical experience can keep you entertained in these trying times, as you stay at home.