Dhaka 16 September, 2026

‘Nagar Baul’ James showered with love and blessings on 56th birthday

Rtv news

Publish : 02 Oct 2020, 11:18 PM
James

Faruq Mahfuz Anam James, popularly called as the 'Nagar Baul James' and 'Guru' by the audiences of rock music in Bangladesh, turned 56 on Friday - and fans showered the rock icon with immense respect and love throughout the nation and social media platforms.

The National Award winning artist, also the front man of his iconic rock band 'Nagar Baul' (formerly known as 'Feelings'), has cemented his legacy to his fans since the late 80's and till date fans eagerly await to celebrate the birthday of the rock legend.

As the pandemic is ongoing, James celebrated his birthday eve and the rest of the day with his family members at home - however, his fans around the nation celebrated the day with pouring tribute to their beloved icon.

'Guru James er Dushtu Chheler Dol', the largest fan-group of James in Bangladesh, has arranged a special program on Friday at the Nirob Hotel in Old Dhaka's Nazimuddin Road, where they cut the birthday cake and arranged prayers for the well-being of the rock-star.

Similar programs arranged all over the country by James fans, who shared photographs and emotional posts in the social media platforms regarding their celebrations and memories of attending his concerts. Also, other music artists and celebrities have posted their tribute to James on their social media accounts.

"When I wrote my novel 'Asman' in which I narrated the journey of a young man who becomes a rock-star in the 90's, I did not have you in my imagination - yet when I completed, I was mesmerized to explore the similarities. I am immensely proud of you, and I have grown up as a lyricist with you. Love you, James bhai", eminent lyricist Latiful Islam Shibli, the wordsmith behind many iconic and popular songs of James such as 'Jail Theke Bolchhi', wrote on his Facebook.

Born in 1964 in Naogaon at Rajshahi, James was brought up in Chittagong due to his father Mojammel Haque's work who later became the Chairman of the Dhaka Education Board. His family did not approve his wish to become a music artist, thus he left home in 1976 and started living in Aziz Boarding in Pahartali, Chittagong.

Without the approval of his family, James started his profound journey in music in his youth during the late 70's. He formed his band 'Feelings' in 1977 as the vocal and lead guitarist, and released the band's first album 'Station Road' in 1987. The band was later renamed as 'Nagar Baul', a moniker that James has also adopted as the music artist.

Besides the other two companions, LRB and ARK in the 'Big Three of Bangladeshi Rock' in the 90's era in Bangladeshi music industry, James garnered immense popularity among fans all over the world with his versatile style in psychedelic rock. He has also established his legacy as a solo artist and a successful playback singer in both Dhallywood and Bollywood. In 2006, he debuted in Bollywood as a playback singer in Anurag Basu's film 'Gangstar', and his journey in Bollywood was continued with three other films - 'Woh Lamhe' (2006), 'Life... in a Metro' (2007) and 'Warning' (2013).

In his motherland, James received Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer twice for the films 'Desha: The Leader' (2014) and 'Swatta' (2017). As a solo artist, he has released a total of 8 albums and many mixed album with renowned artists of Bangladesh.

'Taray Taray Rotiye Debo' (penned by legendary poet Shamsur Rahman), 'Maa', 'Bangladesh', 'Pagla Hawaa', 'Dushtu Chheler Dol', 'Guru Ghor Banaila Ki Diya', 'Mirabai' etc. are some of James's iconic Bengali rock numbers that cemented his legacy as 'Guru' to his fans in all over the world.

James has also proved his versatility in other mediums as a photographer and media entrepreneur. He is the Founder and Chairman of the board of renowned Bangladeshi production house Red Dot Entertainment.

Source: UNB

AH

Follow google news channel to get RTV news Google News
Rtv steps into 16th year
After completing 15 years country’s popular satellite channel Rtv has stepped in to 16th year today. With the slogan ‘For Today and Tomorrow’ Rtv has begun its journey as the fifth private television channel on 26th December 2005. In its long journey Rtv has decorated its programs and news by giving preference to the viewers’ choices. In return it has gained huge love from the spectators. The channel has moved forward with the target of meeting viewers’ demand. Rtv has taken the top position with its new programs, dramas, talk shows, reality shows, award programs and different trend of news. Rtv news first unearthed appointment scandal in the railway division. The ‘black cat’ comes out of the bag in the interview of the then driver of the APS of the concerned minister. But fire incident in Rtv building on February 26, 2007 hampered the rhythm. The disaster again occurred in 2014 but the popular channel has never missed its track of target. Talk shows like ‘Gol Tebil’, ‘Kemon Bangladesh Chai’, ‘Aj Patrikay’ and apart from popular programs ‘Star Awards’, ‘Alokito Nari Padak’ have taken it into unique height. The channel has also introduced ‘Islamic Talent Hunt’ program. Centering Eid Days and other events it broadcasts popular and different types of dramas. As well as success there are few challenges. It this period of covid-19 pandemic Rtv staffs have not stopped. Risking their lives they have travelled from one part to another of the country to meet the demand of the spectators. To protect themselves during the hard days of the ongoing pandemic Rtv workers have made the television screen active by dividing them into some groups and by working from homes. From the point of responsibility in the field of practicing songs Rtv organized new reality show ‘Bengal Cement Banglar Gayen’. On the eve of the founding anniversary of Rtv its Chief Executive Officer Syed Ashik Rahman said, at first I congratulate all the viewers, advertising agencies, technicians and cable operators. With all out efforts we have stepped into 16th year passing the last 15 years. We always are careful about people’s choice. Centering the founding anniversary and the New Year we have taken special arrangements of programs from December 25 to 31. ‘Bou Kotha Kou’ will be the new attraction with sweet and sour relation of bride and mother in law. Besides there are serials ‘Off the Record’ and ‘Twin Village’ and other arrangements. We have always given priority to the newness. We have proven our dedication through the programs of ‘Music Station’, ‘Folk Station, ‘Folk Studio’ and ‘Banglar Gayen’. With these programs new musicians are flourishing in the lime light and we are maintaining care for the music arena. When covid-19 pandemic spread across the globe we took the decision to make people conscious apart from making people entertained. We also emphasized on treatment. Then we have begun two treatment and suggestion based  programs ‘Corona Help Line’ and ‘Ei Muhurte Bangladesh’. We have also put emphasize on consciousness of people and treatment regarding covid-19. As we are beside the spectators so they are staying beside us. They are watching Rtv. I believe they will remain beside us in the coming days. AH 
Rtv steps into 16th year
National Film Awards-2019 announced
Bangladesh has announced the most prestigious National Film Awards-2019. The information ministry on Thursday announced the names and published the gazette mentioning the names of award winners of the year 2019. Renowned actor-actress Sohel Rana and Kohinoor Akter Suchanda are going to get the awards of lifetime achievements jointly. ‘No Dorai’ and ‘Fagun Haway’ have been selected as the best film. Renowned actor Tarique Anam Khan has won the award of best actor for his role in the film ‘Abar Basanta’. Sunerah Binte Kamal has been selected for the award of best actress for her role in the film ‘No Dorai’. Zahid Hasan is going to get the award of best villain for his performance in the film ‘Sapludu’. Afrin Akter and Naimur Rahman Apon have been selected as the best child artist for their role in the films ‘Jodi Ekdin’ and ‘Kalo Megher Vela’ respectively. The government formed the jury board to provide the National Film Awards-2019. According to the rules and regulations the board recommended the names of award winners after evaluating the films released in the year. The names of the National Awards Winners have been announced based on that. AH
National Film Awards-2019 announced
Noted cultural personality Aly Zaker passes away
Aly Zaker, a valiant freedom fighter, Ekushey award-winning cultural personality and noted actor, died of old-age complications at a hospital in the capital today (Friday). He was 76. Aly Zaker breathed his last around 6.40am while he was undergoing treatment at the United Hospital in the city. He is survived by wife, one son, a daughter and a host of relatives and admirers. Aly Zaker had been suffering from cancer and various old-age complications. He was also found COVID-19 positive after his sample test on November 16. Earlier on November 17, he was admitted to Bangladesh Specialized Hospital due to cardiac problem. “His body was taken to liberation war museum at 11am for paying last tribute and he will be buried at Banani graveyard with state honour following a Namaj-E-Janaza after Asr prayers today,” said Sammilito Sangskrit Jote President Golam Kuddus. President M Abdul Hamid, Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haq and State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid have expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Aly Zaker. Aly Zaker was born on November 6 in 1944 in Chattogram. He was the third among four siblings, and spent his early childhood in Kushtia and Madaripur. His father was a high-ranking government official who transferred every few years. He studied at Notre Dame College and graduated from the University of Dhaka. Aly Zaker served as a freedom fighter in the Liberation War. He was in Sector 8 with Major General Manzoor. In 1972, Aly Zaker joined Aranyak Natya Dal. His first stage appearance was taken place with performance in a drama of ‘Kabor’ written by Munier Chowdhury. Later, he joined Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, where his most memorable work — “Dewan Gazir Kissa”, “Nurul Din-er Shara Jibon”, “Macbeth” and “Galileo”, among many others — came. Aly Zaker directed plays like “Baki Itihash”, “Bidogdho Romonikul”, “Toilo Sankat”, “Ei Nishiddho Polli Te” and “Ocholayoton”, among others. On television, he is known for classics like “Aaj Robibar” and “Bohubrihi”. Aly Zaker married eminent theatre personality Sara Zaker in 1975 and they have a son Iresh Zaker and daughter Sriya Sharbojoya. He was one of the trustees in the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. Aly Zaker was the Chairman of Asiatic Society. He was the recipient of Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, Bangabandhu Award, Munier Chowdhury Award, Naren Biswas Award, among other accolades. Source: BSS AH
Noted cultural personality Aly Zaker passes away
Legendary Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee dies
Soumitra Chatterjee, one of India's most celebrated actors, died at a private hospital in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Sunday, after contracting Covid last month. He was 85. "We declare with heavy heart that Shri Soumitra Chattopadhyay breathed his last at 12.15 pm (IST) at Belle Vue Clinic today (15 November 2020). We pay our homage to his soul,"  the hospital said in an official statement. Chatterjee had been undergoing treatment at the hospital since October 6 after testing positive for coronavirus a day before. Though his condition initially improved after receiving plasma therapy, it started worsening as days passed. Chatterjee was the favourite of India's Oscar-winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray. He made his debut with Ray's Apur Sansar (Apu's Family) in 1959. He went on to act in 14 more of Ray's films, including masterpieces like Devi, Charulata, Ghare Baire and Feluda, the detective. "Satyajit Ray made me what I am today. Had the director not been a great artist like Satyajit Ray, I wouldn't have been able to perform so well," Chatterjee had said in an interview. The actor's last big film was Sanjhbati in 2019. Apart from acting, he also directed and acted in plays and penned poetry. In 2001, he had turned down a state award for best actor to protest against what he called the "bias" of the awards committee. Chatterjee got India's top film honour, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2012. He also won three National Awards and the Legion of Honour by France, the European country's top civilian award. In 1989, Satyajit Ray got the same award. Source: UNB AH
Legendary Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee dies
Govt launches Ayub Bachchu’s digital archive ‘AB Kitchen’
The government launched the first-ever digital archive for an artist through a website featuring rock legend Ayub Bachchu on the day of his second death anniversary on Sunday. Bachchu, the first-ever applicant to the E-Copyright system who applied for preserving his creations right after the establishment of the Online Copyright Registration System (E-Copyright) on August 23, 2017, has finally received the honour through this website named ‘AB Kitchen’. State Minister for Culture KM Khalid inaugurated the digital archive by virtually joining an online event at the Bangladesh Copyright Office in the capital's Agargaon on Sunday night. Fairuz Saffra Ayub, the elder child of Ayub Bachchu, joined the event online from New South Wales in Australia. Additional Secretary of Cultural Affairs Ministry Sabiha Parveen was present at the event, conducted by Bangladesh Copyright Office Registrar Zafar Raja Chowdhury. "Ayub Bachchu, the legendary rock musician and guitarist of Bangladesh, has created a great number of melodious creations throughout his successful career - and today, we're proud that those creations have become our national asset through this website. This initiative of the Copyright Office to commemorate the late artist deserves big applause,” Khalid said at the event. Urging other artists to step forward for ensuring the copyright registrations of their creations following the footstep of Bachchu, the state minister said: “The majestic creations of our talented artists are the priceless resources of Bangladesh and it is our responsibility to protect our resources which will be possible if everyone comes forward to assist the copyright office, as Ayub Bachchu did in his lifetime.” Fairuz Saffra Ayub thanked the copyright office and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, saying, "My father has long been involved in the copyright movement for ensuring his right to his creations, and finally became successful in 2020. I cordially thank the Copyright Office, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on behalf of my family for this wonderful digital archive.” Calling the initiative as a great achievement for Bachchu’s family and all the artists in the country, she also proposed a dedicated museum for music and requested the government to take the initiative. Mentioning Ayub Bachchu as a great companion to the Copyright Office, Registrar Zafar Raja Chowdhury said that the website is going to be a great resource for the fans and admirers. He thanked audio engineer and music composer Zooel Morshed for developing the archive, which will be monitored and operated by Bachchu’s son Ahnaf Tazwar Ayub as the Chief Executive Officer of AB.org, along with Fairuz Saffra Ayub as its Managing Director and their mother, Bachchu’s wife Ferdous Akhter Chandana as the Chief Executive Director. Out of the proposed 272 songs of Bachchu, currently the website contains 133 songs of the rock-icon, his biography, 40 photographs and 8 videos of himself along with his band LRB, descriptions of various concert-tours and more. A 3D digital museum of more than 50 guitars used by Ayub Bachchu would be added soon at the digital archive. Fans and admirers of Ayub Bachchu can visit the website at https://abkitchen.org/. Source: UNB AH
Govt launches Ayub Bachchu’s digital archive ‘AB Kitchen’
Read More
Govt wants no more brutality like Russell killing: PM
Mamata sends birthday gifts to Prime Minister
PM’s 74th birthday tomorrow