Naquib Khan Photo: Mumit M.

A busy schedule tends to make musician Naquib Khan somewhat elusive. This reporter had the fortune to catch up with him and get him to open up about his current work, taste in music and his plans for the upcoming Eid.
Currently Naquib is working on his new solo album "Brishtir Raat." His last solo album came out in 1989. Some of his unreleased songs that date back 30 years are included in this album.
“When my last solo last album was released 20 years back, I was a carefree bachelor. In this album, I'll be singing with my daughter. What a metamorphosis!” says Naquib in a lighter vein.
In the album, the titular song "Brishtir Raat" is targeted at expatriates who miss their wives or beloved left behind in the country. There are 11 tracks: one is a duet with Shakila Zafar; another features recitation by Asaduzzaman Noor.
Naquib is much into jazz and blues and enjoys music by Stevie Wonder, Sean, Eagles etc. “Music is my passion. Although I am a corporate and have many responsibilities, I still try to find time for music. I believe in a balance between work and family life. In fact, all members of our band, Renaissance, have other professions but we still try to jam once a week or at least once a month.”
So what's Naquib's plan for Eid? Will he be busy at work then as well? “No, on Eid I just try to spend some quality time with my family. It's still a lovely experience but there have been changes -- before I used to get new clothes from my parents, now I'm the one who gets Eid gifts for my children.”
Naquib thoroughly enjoys contemporary music. He expresses the view that in current times there are many new and gifted artistes to be found. Besides that, he says, he is intrigued by the state-of-the-art technology that is all the rage today. However, he adds a note of warning: “Whereas technology is beneficial, one should not become too dependent on it. This could kill natural talent. Among the musicians of today, I'm really fond of the melodies of Fuad and Habib, among others.”
Naquib Khan dedicates "Brishtir Raat" to all the parents of autistic children, as he is one himself. He hopes that his fans will appreciate his compositions and continue supporting his musical endeavours in the future.