In the contemporary Bangla music scene singer S I Tutul needs no introduction. Often addressed as the ‘Surer Karigar’, S I Tutul’s popularity can be largely attributed to his innovative compositions and songs. Jai Din Jai Ekaki, Valo Lage Raat, Valo Lage Cha(n)d and Keu Prem Korey, Keu Preme Porey are some of the songs which catapulted the singer to instant fame.
Shahidul Islam Tutul, popularly known as S I Tutul, started his music career as a keyboardist and a composer. About his inception in the world of music, he recalls, “Being born in a music-oriented family, I was introduced to music from a very early age. My elder brother was always there when ever I needed him.”
“A large number of popular musicians and singers of our country are from Chittagong. Singers like Ayub Bachchu, Partha Barua, Nasim Ali, Nakib Khan and James are among the singers, who emerged from the once flourishing rich cultural scene of Chittagong. When I was a student at the Chittagong University, I learnt playing the keyboard from Partha Barua, the lead vocalist of Souls. The band musicians and singers in Chittagong used to have regular hang out sessions. One day during one of the hang outs I was asked by Ayub Bachchu to join him as his keyboard player, who back then was thinking of forming a band of his own. In 1991, LRB was formed; I joined the band as the keyboardist. I have also released a few songs from LRB. After spending long fourteen years in LRB, I started my solo music career in 2005,” added Tutul.
While speaking of LRB, he says, “I still miss the long jamming sessions with Ayub Bachchu.”
Tutul’s work in the movie, Bachelor, was a major turning point in his life. The song, Keu prem korey, keu preme porey, in the movie was a major success. The song brought him into instant limelight and earned him recognition as a composer and singer.
While speaking about his solo career, Tutul says, “After the huge success of Bachelor, I started doing compositions for background music in the movies, tele-films, drama serials, and jingles. I also started compositing my own songs. As a result, I was able to release four solo albums. They are — Buk-er Sohore Tumi, Jol-er Vetorey Jol-er Cholon, Shunno and Cholon. I have also released a number of duet albums with Asif and others.”
The fans of S I Tutul have not had any new albums from the singer after 2007. When asked about this, he says, “I do not want to release any new albums till the music-lovers stop buying pirated music. Piracy and FM Radio have almost destroyed our music industry. I always try to make my fans aware of piracy in the music industry.”
S I Tutul has received a national award for music direction in the movie Daruchini Dwip, as well as an international award for the background music of Nirantar. Speaking about his philosophy of music, he elucidates, “As a composer, I want to create my own style. Whenever I am composing a song I keep in mind the demand of the music as well as our identity and roots.”
Speaking about his inspiration for music, he mentioned his wife Tania’s name mostly. “All members of my family encourage me to do my work. To me, music is a kind of meditation. When I compose music, I forget my surroundings. My family members largely help me in my work, which is a great support for me.”
S I Tutul is now quite busy with his live-shows being held in Dhaka and elsewhere. Speaking about his recent projects, he says, “I am composing songs for three Bangla feature films Warish of Salauddin Lavlu, Ghetu Putro Komola of Humayun Ahmed and Sopno-Dussopno er Raat.”
“I dream of building a media institute one day, which will take our media to new heights,” ended S I Tutul.
Courtesy of Daily Sun
