Imran Rahman during a performance

Growing in a culturally oriented family, Imran Rahman, one of the vocalists and the rhythm guitarist of the band Renaissance, was intrigued by music at an early age. His mother and aunt, Malka Parveen Banu and Laila Arjumand Banu respectively -- both renowned singers -- were the first Muslim female artistes of Radio Pakistan in Dhaka. Though his family was supportive of his musical pursuits, Imran did not take lessons in traditional music. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of 15 along with friend and former Renaissance member Faisal Siddiqui Bogi.
He also practiced with Nakib Khan, Pilu Khan -- both members of Renaissance -- and others. In 1985, when Renaissance was formed, Imran went abroad for higher studies. In 1999, after the percussionist of the band left, Imran joined Renaissance. Since then he has been an integral part of the band.
Imran's first recording with the band happened in 2004 with the song Koto je poth ghurey, written and composed by Asif Iqbal and Nakib Khan respectively, for Renaissance's last album Ekush Shotokey. The album (released in 2004) received a great response from the audience. After Bogi left the band, Imran and Pilu mainly do covers of English classics at stage shows. Imran has an interesting take on it: “Apparently English songs are less melodious than Bangla, and I think my voice is not properly trained for that melody yet.”
Imran's view on the current band scene is quite optimistic. According to him, “This trend of bands originated in the West. So to perform well, it is essential to know the trend thoroughly and that includes the technical, vocal and several other aspects. Things are changing. Our young talents are coming back home with extended training and education in music attained overseas and they are playing significant roles in the current band as well as pop and fusion music scene. Apart from this, quite a few expats living in Bangladesh are showing interest in our music and experimenting with the local musicians, which is also a positive sign.
Imran goes on to say, “Artistes like Arnob or Habib are doing well. They are often fusing our traditional folk songs with western elements. As a result, an easy-listening genre is being establishing in our music scene. Simultaneously they are trying to bring back the arguably matured listener towards the contemporary music trends with these folk fusions.”
“Bands including Bangla and Ajob are also doing well in this regard,” adds Imran.
Renaissance performs once a month at 'Spaghetti Jazz', an Italian bistro at Gulshan 2. Along with their compositions, Imran usually performs covers of Van Morrison, Beatles, Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder classics.
Apart from music, Imran Rahman is a faculty member at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka University. He is also the head of the BBA department at the University of Liberal Arts of Bangladesh (ULAB).