Anjan Dutta : Shuntey Ki Chao?

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I just love Anjan Dutta. Throughout the nineties I used to listen to his cassettes day in and day out. Around that time I listened to Suman Chattopadhyay's songs also but most of his songs were so intellectually rich and profound that they used to fly far above my head. I did not understand them properly. Anjan was my preference and first choice, because most of his songs were simple and easy to understand and fall in love with. Only from Class XI, my focus shifted from Anjan to Suman as I started drowning myself in the multiple layers of the latter's songs. Once I entered Suman-ville, there was no coming out. Suman's chakravyuha surrounded me completely and engulfed me with all its might. However till Class X, Anjan's songs were the answers to all my problems. I especially loved his songs on adolescent romances. Since I was a school-boy myself, therefore I simply loved his songs on the ups and downs of school life and teenage love. From this Blog-Post, I am starting a series where I am going to talk about all the albums of Anjan Dutta and why I love them so much. Lets start with his first album. I love the way Anjan Dutta is sitting on the album cover picture, the way he is holding his guitar and love especially that faraway look in his eyes. Also I must mention the name of Shovon Mukhopadhyay who did the musical arrangements on Anjan's albums and did an extremely wonderful job. Anjan's first performance was in the winter of 1993. Padatik had arranged his first show at their Circular Road building hall. Gradually his name as a singer-songwriter spread all around and then one day someone named Babul Rahaman from HMV telephoned him and offered him his first album.

ALBUM : Shuntey Ki Chao? (1994)

SIDE A

SONG : RANJANA

This song was an old song based on a teenage love story which Anjan had composed years back but after the Babri Masjid episode when the question of communal harmony came, he changed the song and turned the lover-boy into a muslim. Its a love song about a bespectacled muslim school boy who is in love with a hindu girl. His love is pure and innocent. But the socio-politico situation is tense and he knows that it is a wise decision to avoid his beloved's para. His beloved's mej-dada and other para-tuto dadas have a firm grip on the locality. Under normal circumstances, after school hours in the afternoon, he would generally cycle in front of his darling's house and she would stand in her balcony and watch him. But now the gang of the dadas have threatened him with dire consequences if he is ever again seen in that para. Therefore he explains his problem to his beloved and hopes that she will understand his situation. The song is upbeat and it has foot-tapping music. Its basically a feel good song though the listeners feel sorry about the helpless situation that the nice young muslim boy is facing. I just love the way Anjan pronounces the word bhyabachaka in the song. Here are the lyrics: 

Paray Dhukley Thyang Khora Korey Debo
Bolechhey Parar Dada-ra
Onnyo Para Diye Jachchi Tai

Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona
Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona

Dhormo Amar Aami Nijey Bechhey Neini
Podobitey Chhilona Jey Haat
Mosjidey Jetey Hoy Tai Jor Korey Jai
Bochchhorey Du Ekbaar

Banglay Sottor Pai Aami Exam-ey
Bhalo Laagey Khetey Bhat Machh
Ganja Cigarette Aami Konotai Chhuina
Parina Chortey Kono Gaachh

Choshmata Khosey Geley Mushkiley Pori
Dada Aami Ekhono Jey Ishkool-ey Pori
Kobjir Jorey Aami Parbona

Parbona Hotey Aami Romeo
Tai Duppur Belatey Ghumiyo
Ashtey Hobena Aar Baranday

Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona
Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona

Bujhbo Ki Korey Aami Tomar Oi Mej Dada
Shudhu Jey Tomar Dada Noy
Aaro Koto Dadagiri, Kobjir Karigori 
Korey Taar Din ketey Jaay

Tao Jodi Boltam Hindur Cheley Aami 
Nilu, Bilu Kimba Nitai
Mithye Katha Aami Boltey Jey Parina
Bhyaba Bhyaba Bhyabachaka Khai

Choshmata Khosey Geley Mushkiley Pori
Dada Aami Ekhono Jey Ishkool-ey Pori
Kobjir Jorey Aami Parbona

Parbona Hotey Aami Romeo
Tai Duppur Belatey Ghumiyo
Ashtey Hobena Aar Baranday

Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona
Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona

Satyikarer Prem Janinato Ki Sheta
Jachchey Jomey Home Task
Lagchhena Bhalo Aar Metro Channel-ta
Kanna Pachchey Sara Raat

Hindu Ki Japani Janinato Tumi Ki
Janey Oi Dada-der Gang 
Cycle-ta Aami Cherey Ditey Raji Aachi
Parbona Chhartey E Thyang

Choshmata Khosey Geley Mushkiley Pori
Dada Aami Ekhono Jey Ishkool-ey Pori
Kobjir Jorey Aami Parbona

Parbona Hotey Aami Romeo
Tai Duppur Belatey Ghumiyo
Ashtey Hobena Aar Baranday

Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona
Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona

Paray Dhukley Thyang Khora Korey Debo
Bolechhey Parar Dada-ra
Onnyo Para Diye Jachchi Tai

Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona
Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona...





SONG : SHUNTEY KI CHAO

This song talks about the innocent and carefree days of one's childhood and then about the monotonous daily grind of an adult life. Once we grow up, its all about graduating, getting a job, marrying someone, fathering a child, bringing up that child, and then facing death one day. And in between all of these things, we forget to live. As an adult life is all about monetary calculations and speculations. We all run this rat race and end up as losers. A time comes when we even do not have the time to stand and stare at all the beauty around us. We all miss our childhood days and we all want to go back to those good old times. I love the slow pace of this song. This song is a journey in man's life from childhood to teenage-hood to adulthood to death. This song also touches upon the subject of mid-life crisis. Here are the lyrics:

Shuntey Ki Chao Tumi Shei Odvut Beshuro Sur
Phirey Petey Chao Ki Shei Anchan Kora Dupur
Dekhtey Ki Chao Tumi Shei Khelna-ola Taakey
Tar Khelna Dotaara Shey Bajachhey Kobey Thekey

School-er Tiffin-er Poisa Banchiye Kena
Shei Odvut Fata Bansh Aar Maatir Sur Tana Tana
Du-diner Shompod Du-takar Bajnaar Bishmoy
Tar Por Kokhon Hothat Sukher Maaney Paltey Jaay

Tar Por Tiffin-er Poisa Diye Cigarette
College Ketey Cinema, Bandhobir Sathey Cutlet
Ashey Doshta-Panchta Shei Ek Router Bus-ta Tar Por
Shobar Motoi Portey Hoy Je Kagojer Topor

Ekhon Masher Sheshey Majhey Modhhye Kanna Paay
Mini Bus-ey Dariye Office Jawar Shomoy
Ekhon Bujhechi Shey Odvut Sur-er Ki Maaney
Phirey Toh Jawa Jay Na Jey Aar Sekhaney

Jetey Hobey Je Tomakey Aamakey Choley
Lukono Tekka Shongsarer Ekka Dokka Feley
Prothom-ey Jabey Ghor-dor Dokan-pat Tar Por Hridoy
Kichhui Holona Bajano Gelona Shomoy

Idaning Shey Sur-ta Shuntey Je Khub Ichchey Hoy
Kintu Shey Khelna-ola Aar Ashena Paray
Hoyto Kono Onnyo Oli Goli Ghurey
Onnyo Kono Kaukey Tanchhey Shey Odvut Sur-ey
Onnyo Kono Kaukey Tanchhey Shey Odvut Sur-ey

Shuntey Ki Chao Tumi Shei Odvut Beshuro Sur
Phirey Petey Chao Ki Shei Anchan Kora Dupur
Dekhtey Ki Chao Tumi Shei Khelna-ola Taakey

Tar Khelna Dotaara Shey Bajachhey Kobey Thekey

Tar Khelna Dotaara Shey Bajachhey Kobey Thekey
Tar Khelna Dotaara Shey Bajachhey Kobey Thekey...




SONG : ALIBABA

This song is about a ten year old boy named Alibaba who works in a chicken poultry shop. Its Christmas day and the shop is full with customers. The boy talks about his rigorous daily routine. This song is against the concept of child labour. It talks about the pain and the helpless situation of a child labour. As a child when I first heard this song, I really felt very bad. Then one day when I first went to our local market with my mother and saw the beheading of chickens and saw how their head-less bodies still flutter for freedom inside those big black drums, immediately this song flashed in my mind. Even if you chop the head off a chicken, it can still run around for a few seconds. The same applies to many other animals, including the turtle, which continues swimming even though its head has come off. The animals can do this because a neural network in the spinal cord is pre-programmed to direct the muscles in various frequently used movement patterns such as running or swimming. Coming back to the song, it also reminds me of Suman's song Petkati Chadiyal and in these two songs, both the boys want to fly kites as an expression of freedom. My most favourite lines are:

Naam Amar Alibaba
Boyosh Amar Dosh
Aajkey Din-ta Boro
Aajkey Jishu Dibosh
Char-tey Murgi Chharaley
Ek-ta Takar Note
Oi Kalo Drum-er Bhetor
Ora Korchhey Je Chhot-fot
Naam Amar Alibaba
Boro-diner Bheer
Tai Roktey Makha-makhi
Amar Sara-ta Shorir
Sheet Je Amar Korchhey Nako
Nei Je Obokash
Aattirish-ta Pakhi
Maaney Nau Taka Ponchash
Raat-er Belay Phirey Eshey
Chachar Pith Malish
Nei Je Amar Bichana
Nei Je Balish
Tobu Ghum Je Amar Chole Ashey
December Mashey
Swopno Dekhi Ghuri Orai 
Kalo Aakashey
Kanna Amar Jachchey Komey
Barchhey Je Shahosh
Naam Je Amar Alibaba
Boyosh Ekhono Dosh...



SONG : TUMI NA THAKLEY

This is a highly romantic and funny song where the singer tells his beloved that if she had not being there in his life then his whole world would have turned upside down. Here Anjan also lovingly mentions the name of his musical predecessor Suman Chattopadhyay. This is a light-hearted fun-filled song. However in this song tumi can mean many things, and not necessarily one's beloved. It can refer to any thing from the City of Joy to Cigarettes. I love the unusual structure of this song. And I just love the way this song begins with the snapping of fingers. Here are the lyrics:

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Sokal-ta Eto Mishti Hoto Naa
Tumi Naa Thaakley
Megh Korey Jeto Bristi Hoto Naa

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Mon Kosakoshi 
Korey Hasahasi
Naak Ghosaghosi

Rapa Ra Pa Pa, Rum Pum Paa

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Chand-tar Gaye Porey Jeto Morchey
Tumi Naa Thaakley
Kiptey Lok-ta Hoto Naje Khorchey
Tumi Naa Thaakley
Swopner Rong Hoye Jeto Khoiry
Bon Bon Korey Duniya-ta Ei Partona Ghurtey 

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Robindranath
Kalir Duat Mathay Thukey
Hoto Kupokaat

Rapa Ra Pa Pa, Rum Pum Paa 

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Sumon Kelenkari Korto Koto
Guitar Feley Guateymalai
Naamta Shekhatey Hoto

Pasher Barir Meyeta
Pasher Parar Chheler Sathey
Tumi Naa Thaakley
Ei Bhabey Ki Barita Chherey Palato

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Taj Mohol-ta
Bananoi Hoto Naa
Laatalati Ei Katakati Kichu
Thamanoi Jeto Naa

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Monalisa Kobe Hoye Jeto Gombhir
Tumi Naa Thaakley
Tomar Chithi Jomanoi Hoto Naa

Tumi Naa Thaakley
Romeo Kobey
Homeopathy-r 
Dokan Khuley 
Jomiye Dito 

Rapa Ra Pa Pa, Rum Pum Paa...




SONG : MON AMAR

In this song Anjan Dutta pays tribute to Suman Chattopadhyay and talks about how the latter's first album Tomaakey Chai had revolutionized the genre of bengali modern songs. The album had released on 23rd April 1992 and it had a massive impact on collective consciousness of bengalees all over the world and created an all-together new genre called Jibonmukhi. There can be endless debates over the very existence and validity of the word Jibonmukhi and right now I am not in a mood to indulge in them. In this song, Anjan talks of how he first came to know about Suman's songs from his friends and then talks about his first experience of listening to the album Tomaakey Chai and how it inspired him to once again strum the guitar, pen down his own songs and become a singer-songwriter like Suman. Here are the lyrics:

Tomar Kotha Shuntey Bhalo Laagey 
Bondhura Boley
Shonai Tomar Kotha Amai Prai
Tai Shunlam Tomar Kotha 
Gaan Shonar Chholey
Shunlam Tomakey Tai
Onek Kotha Koto Kotha Kothokothar Surey
Bhorey Gelo Bhetor-ta Amar
Ichchey Holo Boltey Kotha Sur-er Taley Taley
Amar Ichchey Holo Bajatey Guitar

Mon Amar, Mon Amar, Mon Amar

Mithye Kothai Hariye Jawa Byartho E Bajarey
Ortho Niye Elo Tomar Gaan
Gaaner Bhasha Notun Aashai 
Uthlo Nechey Tomar Kothai
Uthlo Nechey Oneker Praan
Sottyi Kotha Sohoj Korey
Bolar Shahosh Pelam Phirey
Kothai Jeno Bhetorey Amar
Kothar Nesha Chhoriye Dewar 
Echchey Ta Je Holo Abar
Echchey Holo Baajatey Guitar

Mon Amar, Mon Amar, Mon Amar

Ganer Kono Prostuti Nei
Nei Je Shekor Bakor
Maalkosh Ki Pilu Bhoirobi 
Golai Amar Nei Je Kono Rewaz Korar Shobhab
Ei Obhab Amar Thakbey Chirodin
Amar Shudhu Chhilo Achhey
Katthkhotta Bastob-ta
Diba Ratri Aposh Aar Aposh
Robindra Ki Gono Songeet 
Konotai Thik Dichchilo Naa
Buker Bhetor Regey Othar Rosh
Gaan-ta Amar Gaibar Ei Ichchey-ta Je Chhilo Nako
Kaan-ta Chhilo Shudhui Shonar
Obbhesh-ta Chhilo Kothar Taley Kothar Jobab Dewa
Kotha Kerey Nebar Shobhab
Tomar Kothar Sutro Dhorey 
Poth Hariye Notun Korey
Ichchey Holo Kotha-ta Bolar
Kothai Kotha Barey
Tai Bolchhi Chhotto Korey
Amar Ichchey Holo Bajatey Guitar

Mon Amar, Mon Amar, Mon Amar

Tomar Kotha Shuntey Bhalo Laagey 
Onekei Boley
Shonai Tomar Kotha Amai Prai
Tai Shunlam Tomar Kotha 
Gaan Shonar Chholey
Shunlam Tomakey Chai 
Onek Kotha Koto Kotha Kothokothar Surey
Bhorey Gelo Bhetor-ta Amar
Ichchey Holo Boltey Kotha Sur-er Taley Taley
Amar Ichchey Holo Bajatey Guitar

Mon Amar, Mon Amar, Mon Amar...


SONG : HARIPADA 

This song talks about the life of an ordinary clerk named Haripada who encounters an extraordinary event. He was helplessly carrying on with his mundane, boring and adventure-less life but was secretly wishing and praying to escape from it. Then one saturday he was suddenly abducted by aliens who came to Calcutta in their U.F.O. And Haripada was never seen again. Since he had no friends or relatives, therefore no one bothered about his sudden absence. But we all truly hope that he is now in a better and happy place. I firmly believe that the real inspiration for this song lies in Mohiner Ghoraguli's song Ojana Uronto Bostu from their album Ojaana Uronto Bostu Ba Aw-Oo-Baw which was released in 1978. That song was about four ordinary clerks who used to stay in a Mess. Then one saturday an U.F.O. came and took them for a ride over their city. After that every saturday the aliens came and took those clerks for a ride, while their Officers were left behind. The Officers were not privileged enough to go for a ride in an U.F.O. This song is full of surrealistic images and had avant garde sound and music. If anyone wants to listen to this song then here is the link. Coming back to Anjan's song, I just love the part where the singer catches his breath and makes a strange sound from his mouth just before the line Sudhu Sada Seddyo. Also I love the use of reverb in this song. Here are the lyrics: 

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Akash Thekey Nemey Elo Ek Raatrey
Boro Boro Boro Boro Gol Gol Chokh
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok

Aantiyo Nei Kono Bondhu-bandhob
Mess Bari-tey Tar Bash
Dayittyo Nei Kono, Jhonjhat Nei Kono
Nei Tar Kono Obhilash

Achey Kolshi Achey, Achey Ghor-er Kon-ey
Achey Gamchha Achey, Achey Margo Sabaan
Chosmar Minus Power Achey
Poripati Ekta Goph

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok

Achey Eka Eka Swopno Dekhar Obbhesh Tar
Dhar Korey Potrika Pora
Achey 8B Bus-er Ek Kon-tar Jonnye
Shokaler Office-er Tara

Achey Chhoto Bela Thekey Ek Tana Jor Rog
Tai Tel Jhal Num Khawa Hoina
Sudhu Sada Seddyo
Chhilo Je Boraddyo
Jotoi Naa Ichchey Hok

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok

Bigyapon-er Haat-chhani Dekheo Na Dekhey
Bhir Bus-ey Paat Bhanga 
Sareer Porosh Bhuley Thekey
Shonibar Shonibar Norborey Shiri Beye
Mess-tar Chhad-ey Uthey Akash-er Dikey Cheye
Jol-ey Bhorey Jeto Tar Chokh

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok

Hoito Ba Kono Din Prarthona Korechhilo Shey
Tai Doom Korey Hothat Ek Shonibarey Nemey Ashey
TV-r Antenna Baachiye Astey Korey
Pachiler Dhar Gheshey Bon Bon Korey Ghurey
Nemey Elo Boro Boro Chokh

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok

Ghabrey Giye Daat Kopati Legey Jai
Ghemey Jai Horir Naak-ta
Kono Ek Magazine-ey Dekhechhilo Ei Chobi
Ojana Uronto Ki Ekta

Dhuye Jai Horipodo Sada Sada Aalo Tey
Bejey Othey Esraj Koto 
Haat Paa Mon Matha Ghamtey Ghamtey
Ton Ton Korey Tar Nokh

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok

Hothat Ki Mon-ey Holey Khilkhiliye Heshey
Othey Horipodo Kyaraani 
Eto Shob Boro Shoro Desh Mesh Feley Tora
Kolkata-tei Eli

Nishchoi Poth Bhul Korechhey Je Byata-ra
Pabey Na Je Kichhui Hethay
Hashtey Hashtey Lutoputi Horipodo
Jol-ey Bhorey Jai Tar Chokh

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok

Bujhtey Parini Tara 
Kokhon Jey Nemey Eshey
Tuley Niye Gechey Taakey 
Megher Oparey Kon Deshey

Keu Kono Din Tar
Khoj Korey Niko Aar
Chhilona Toh Keu Tar 
Kono Khoj Korbar
Keu Koreniko Kono Shokh

Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok
Haripada Ek Jon Sada Mata Chhoto Khato Lok...

  


SIDE B

SONG : BOSHEY ACHI ISTESHANETEY

This song talks about a poor boy who sells lemons and lozenges on railway platforms and trains. Since childhood he never saw his father. His elder brother had kicked him out of their house. Now if he has to return home then he will have to give his family two hundred and fifty rupees every month. He misses his mother very much. He misses his bygone days. He is helpless now. But somehow he has adapted himself to his new life. Whatever he earns, from that meagre earnings, he also has to give a bribe to the Railway Checker. This instance of corruption also reminds me of the line, Mojuritey Bhaag Boshachhey Kara Tomar Kolkatatey, from the song Banshuriya by Kabir Suman. Anyways coming back to Anjan's song, our boy once had thought of committing suicide on the railway tracks but he could not gather the courage to do so. Nowadays at the end of the day, he indulges in smoking marijuana and this helps him to forget all his pains and troubles, at least for a short time. Here are the lyrics:

Boshey Aachi Isteshanetey 
Lebu Logenser Shishita Haatey 
Boka Kokiltar Gola Shukiye Kaath 
Gaari Aaj Late-ey Dourochhey 

Bari Cherechi December Maashey 
Paalatey Hoeni Dada Tariyechhey  
Phirtey Holey Araisho Taka 
Ditey Hobey Masher Sheshey 

Ongkotey Aashi Peyechhilam Ekbar 
Maa Bhebechhilo Hobo Engineer 
Baba Kichui Bhabtey Pareni 
Baba, Chhilona Je Amar 

Kalo Ghor-bari Shon-shon Jaye Shorey 
Train-er Dolatey Roj Dupurey
Maa-er Koler Shei Dolata 
Jaye Mon-ey Porey Jaye Amar 

Ku Jhik-jhik Korey Jokhon Raat Aashey 
Chand-ta Mon-ey hoi Aluminium-er 
Karkhanar Oi Kalo Dhoya-ta 
Keno Je Amay Knaaday

Dada Ekta Mimi Hobey Ki 
Ektao Lebu Hoeni Bikkiri 
Gotokaler Ponero Taka Thekey
Checker Ke Ditey Hobey Dosh

Ekbar Bhebechhilam Ei Golata 
Jaye Jodi Jak Train-er Tolatey 
Kintu Oi Aluminum-er Chand 
Daeni Palatey Amaay  

Ektu Aagey Garia-r Shibu 
Dom Ditey Bollo Bom Shongkorey 
Mathata Tai Kemon Jhim Jhim Korchhey 
Golata Shukiye Kaath

Dada Ekta Mimi Hobey Ki 
Ektao Lebu Hoeni Bikkiri 
Gotokaler Ponero Taka Thekey
Checker Ke Ditey Hobey Dosh

Boshey Aachi Isteshanetey 
Lebu Logenser Shishita Haatey 
Boka Kokiltar Gola Shukiye Kaath 
Gaari Aaj Late-ey Dourochhey 

Bari Cherechi December Maashey 
Paalatey Hoeni Dada Tariyechhey  
Phirtey Holey Araisho Taka 
Ditey Hobey Masher Sheshey 

Ongkotey Aashi Peyechhilam Ekbar 
Maa Bhebechhilo Hobo Engineer 
Baba Kichui Bhabtey Pareni
Baba, Chhilona Je Amar

Boshey Aachi Isteshanetey 
Boshey Aachi Isteshanetey 
Gari Chorechhi December Mashey
Bari Chherechhi December Mashey

Boshey Aachi Isteshanetey
Gari Chorechhi December Mashey...




SONG : AKASH BHORA SURYA TARA

This song talks about a school boy and his para. The song travels from one house to another and narrates the lives of their residents. Seems to me like a typical north Calcuttan para. When I first bought this cassette and saw the name of this song on the album back cover, I thought that Anjan had included a rabindrasangeet in this album. However when I first heard this song, it blew my mind. The words beautifully painted a picture of a para and that para immediately came alive in front of our eyes. Here are the lyrics:

Akash Bhora Surjo Tara
Akash Mukhi Shari Shari
Kalo Dhoway Dhekey Jawa 
Thasha Thashi Baksho Bari
Ekhan Thekei Cholar Shuru
Ekhan Thekei Hamaguri
Ekhan Ta Tei Amar Basha
Amar Bari

Baro Tolar Upor Thekey
Baro Bochhor Ketey Gechey
Ishkool Ta Jawa Chhara 
Nama Hoyna Maatir Kachey
Shobar Ghorer Dewal Ta Moy
Hash Murgi Onek Nachey
Tobuo Ranar Chokher Bhetor
Kothao Jeno Kanna Bhashey

Shekhan Thekey Ektu Durey
Ektu Khani Egiye Geley
Ekla Thaken Nandi Babu 
Bondi Sheo Je Boyeshkaal-ey
Shongshar Tar Haal Dhorechey 
Bokhatey Tar Choto Chheley
Ek Cup Cha Diye Gechey
Kokhon Jani Shaat Shokaley

Radio Tar Battery Ta 
Hothat Kobey Gelo Khoye
Khater Thekey Namtey Mana 
Buker Byatha Gechey Shoye
Neelimar Maa Tai Toh Je Aar
Bhabena Shongsar Ta Niye
Edo Golir Shedo Ghorey
Shobi Kemon Boye Gechey
Ekhan Ta Tei Aatkey Pora 
Ekhan Ta Tei Ghuro Ghuri
Ekhan Ta Tei Amar Basha 
Amar Bari

Choudhury-der Ekush Tolay 
Moder Neshay Uunchu Golay 
Jhogra Chole Gobhir Raat-ey
Laaj Lojjar Bandh Bhengey Jaay
Court Kachhari Onek Holo 
Holo Na Je Chhara-chhari 
Shompotti Aankrey Dhorey 
Gobhir Raat-er Maramari

Shekhan Theke Ektu Durey
Parar Morta Ektu Ghurey
Oli Goli Pakostholir 
Bhetor Kara Gumrey Morey
Boli Holo Arekta Pran 
Mostan-der Chhora-chhurir
Ekhan Ta Tei Amar Basha
Amar Bari Shari Shari

Chilekothar Baranda Ta 
Bondhyo Keno Jano Ki Ta
Ekhan Thekei Laafiye Porey
Laha Barir Anindita
Gobhir Raat-ey Tai Toh Keu Aar 
Othey Na Jey Oder Chhad-ey 
Ondhokarer Bondhyo Ghorey
Kara Jeno Dukrey Kaandey

Shekhan Thekey Ektu Durey
Chhad-er Paachil Ta Ghurey
Ek Chiltey Roddur-etey 
Chhoto Meye Naamta Porey
Tai Toh Kalo Eeter Fnaakey
Bot-pataa Ta Jeev Bhyangchay
Parar Neri Bachha Takey 
Mukhey Korey Haantey Shekhay
Ekhan Ta Tei Aatkey Pora 
Ekhan Ta Tei Ghuro Ghuri
Ekhan Ta Tei Amar Basha 
Amar Bari

Akash Bhora Surjo Tara
Akash Mukhi Shari Shari
Kalo Dhoway Dhekey Jawa 
Thasha Thashi Baksho Bari
Ekhan Thekei Cholar Shuru
Ekhan Thekei Hamaguri
Ekhan Ta Tei Amar Basha
Tomar Bhalobashar Bari...


SONG : DARJEELING

Here Anjan reminisces about his school life at St. Paul's Darjeeling. He talks about his childhood days and his then childhood friend. He talks about the natural beauty of the place and the simplicity of its inhabitants. Throughout all his life, Darjeeling always had a special place in Anjan's heart. Here are the lyrics: 

Khaad-er Dharer Railing-ta
Shei Dushtu Dodo Shiring-ta
Amar Soishob-er Darjeeling-ta

Janlar Kanchey Thont Chepey
Chhobi Ekechhi Nishshashey 
Pahar Aanka Kato Soja
Hariye Gechhey Shei Drawing Khata

Khaad-er Dharer Railing-ta
Shei Dushtu Dodo Shiring-ta

Amar Soishob-er Darjeeling-ta

Chyapta Thonter Bhalobasa
Khudey Chokh-ey Kato Aasha
Jokhon Tokhon Sada Kuasha

Khaad-ey Nemey Prothom Cigarette
Sekhan Thekey School-er Gate
Dosh Minute Dourey Noiley Late
Roll Call Hoye Gechhey Ebar Beth

Khaad-er Dharer Railing-ta
Shei Dushtu Dodo Shiring-ta

Amar Soishob-er Darjeeling-ta

Tung Sonada Ghum Periye
Aanka Banka Rasta Dhorey
Jokhon Tokhon Pouchhey Jaoa Jaye

Kintu Shei Dodo Shiring-ta
Hariye Gechhey Je Aaj Kothaye
Khaad-ey Naamtey Aaj Bhoy Korey
Nei Je Keu Aar Haat-takey Dhorar

Khaad-er Dharer Railing-ta
Shei Dushtu Dodo Shiring-ta

Amar Soishob-er Darjeeling-ta...


SONG : TV DEKHONA

This song talks about how children lose themselves in the world created by the Idiot-Box. They lose their imagination and creativity. They escape from their reality by attaching their eye-balls to the TV screens. The singer advises them not to watch so much television and instead observe the natural beauty all around. The singer advises them that there are many natural things around us to fuel one's imagination. Here are the lyrics: 

Bapi Aar Maa
Gechey Cinema
Tumi Eka 
Bhoy Jodi Hoy
Achey TV Takey Khuley
Bhuley Thaka

Maa Gechey Boley
Oi TV Takey Khuley
Tumi Rekhona
Aami Boli Ki
Ekta Chalaki
Korey Dekhona

Janla Diye Oi Akash Takey Dekho
TV Dekhona

Ranna Achey Dhaka
Tobu Kanna Chepey Rakha
Jachhchhenaa
Bapi-ra Hotel-ey Roll
Tomar Kopaaley Jhol
Khidey Pachchhenaa

Regey Giye TV Khuley
Jor Korey Shob Bhuley
Tumi Thekonaa
Dekho Dakchhey Tomay Bondhura Akash Thekey
TV Dekhona
Dekho Dakchhey Tomay Sobbai Akash Thekey
TV Dekhona

Megh Dekhey Bhalluk Mon-ey Hoy
Naki Tumi Dekhoni
Tomar Haat-er Chaya Diye
Dewal-ey Ekta Horin Niye Kheloni
Khath Takey Matth 
Bhebey Ektu Upor Hoye Thakona
Dekho Dakchhey Tomay Akash-ta
TV Dekhona
Dekho Dakchhey Tomay Janlar Bairey-ta
TV Dekhona

Bapi Aar Maa
Gechey Cinema
Tumi Eka 
Bhoy Jodi Hoy
Achey TV Takey Khuley

Bhuley Thaka

Maa Gechey Boley
Oi TV Takey Khuley
Tumi Rekhona
Aami Boli Ki
Ekta Chalaki
Korey Dekhona

Janlar Bairey Akash Takey Dekho

TV Dekhona...




SONG : 2441139

This is my most favourite song in this album. The song is about a man who has just got a job and therefore now is in a position to marry his beloved. He calls her home landline number from a pay-phone booth. In those pre-mobile phone days, there were many PCO booths all over Calcutta where one could make a call by inserting a one rupee coin inside the phone. To continue talking after a certain amount of time, one simply had to keep on inserting one rupee coins inside the machine. However in those days the telephone services in Calcutta were so bad that there used to be a lot of unwanted cross-connections and mysteriously wrong numbers used to get dialed on their own. Anyways our hero keeps on dialing his girlfriend's number. He remembers his days of struggle as an unemployed youth. He remembers the time spent with his beloved inside cheap road-side restaurant cabins. In those days there were a lot of restaurants which had small cabins and lovers preferred them as they could enjoy their privacy and also indulge in some private moments inside those cabins. Back then, there was no fear of hidden spy cams anywhere. Just a piece of curtain separated them from the outside world. Once inside the cabin, the lovers used to leave all their problems outside the curtain. The cabin was like their own small paradise. Anjan Dutta later went on to record another song based on the theme of cabin-love called Das Cabin which was there in his album Bhalobashi Tomay. However these days this kind of cabin-love is on the decrease as many restaurants with cabins no longer exist. Coming back to the present song, finally after quite a few tries, the correct number gets dialed and his beloved picks up the phone. She is so happy with the good news that silently tears of joy flow through her eyes. At last she will be able to marry the man of her own choice, and not the one whom her parents were forcing her to marry. After a certain age, women feel that they have become a burden on their parents. Even if she is a working woman, she still feels the pressure from her parents in particular and from society in general, to get married and settle down. However here are two schools of thought. The first group believes that Bela Bose's silent tears are actually tears of joy and happiness. The second group believes that those silent tears are actually telling her boyfriend that her parents have forced her to already accept the arranged marriage and her beloved is too late now. She silently cries because she is unable to tell her boyfriend about her situation. I however believe that those tears were tears of joy and she will finally be able to marry her boyfriend. Anjan once said in an interview that in this song there was no telephone number initially. He just put it there before recording as these numbers were perfectly matching the tempo of the song. He simply made up that phone number. But the phone number actually existed. It was the home number of the Editor of a Hindi newspaper, Dainik Vishwamitra. The Editor received thousands of calls from strangers asking for Bela Bose. Imagine his predicament. A lot of articles came out in newspapers and magazines regarding this matter. The previously unknown Editor enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame. In my childhood days I myself thought many times to call this number but then decided against it. I did not want to disturb any one. In those days Calcutta telephone numbers consisted of 7 digits, later on they changed to 8 digits. In my very childhood days I still remember that Calcutta phone numbers had 6 digits. And I still remember that back then autos had meters like taxis. Anyways coming back to this song, I simply love the way the singer says Dhur Chhai at the very fag end of the song which beautifully portrays the lover's frustration at not being able to connect with his girlfriend. This song is one of my all time favourites. This song had such an impact on the collective consciousness of the bengalees, that even today, whenever a bong boy gets a job, he sings this song involuntarily. He sings this song to his girlfriend or updates it as his Whatsapp Status or as a Facebook Post. After my Masters degree when I first got a job at Sangbad Pratidin, I also sang this song to my then girlfriend. What a magnificent song this is! Here are the lyrics:

Chakrita Aami Pey Gechi Bela Shuncho
Ekhon Aar Keu Aatkatey Parbey Naa
Somondhota Eibar Tumi Bhestey Ditey Paro
Maa Ke Boley Dao Biye Tumi Korchho Naa

Chakrita Aami Pey Gechi Bela Sottyi
Aar Matro Koyekta Mash Byaas 
Starting-ei Ora Egarosho Debey 
Teen Mash Porey Confirm
Chup Korey Keno Bela Kichu Bolchho Naa

Eta Ki 2441139 
Bela Bose Tumi Parchho Ki Shuntey
Dosh Baro Baar Wrong Number 
Periye Tomakey Peyechhi
Debona Kichhutei Aar Haaratey

Hello 2441139
Din Na Dekey Bela Ke Ekti Baar
Meter-ey Jachchey Berey
Ei Public Telephone-er
Joruri Khub Joruri Dorkar

Swapno Ebar Hoye Jabey Bela Sottyi 
Etodin Dhorey Eto Oppekha
Raastar Koto Soshta Hoteley 
Bodhho Cabiney Bondi Dujoney
Ruddhoshash Koto Protikha

Aar Kichhudin Tar Por Bela Mukti 
Koshbar Oi Nil Dewaler Ghor 
Sada Kalo Ei Jonjaley Bhora 
Mithye Kothar Shohorey 
Tomar Amar Laal Nil Songshar

Eta Ki 2441139 
Bela Bose Tumi Parchho Ki Shuntey
Dosh Baro Baar Wrong Number 
Periye Tomakey Peyechhi
Debona Kichhutei Aar Haaratey

Hello 2441139
Din Na Dekey Bela Ke Ekti Baar
Meter-ey Jachchey Berey
Ei Public Telephone-er
Joruri Khub Joruri Dorkar

Chup Korey Keno Eki Bela Tumi Kandchho
Chakrita Aami Pey Gechi Sottyi
Kanna-katir Holla-hatir Somoy Gechey Periye
Hello Tumi Shuntey Pachho Ki

Eta Ki 2441139 
Bela Bose Tumi Parchho Ki Shuntey
Dosh Baro Baar Wrong Number 
Periye Tomakey Peyechhi
Debona Kichhutei Aar Haaratey

Hello 2441139
Din Na Dekey Bela Ke Ekti Baar
Meter-ey Jachchey Berey
Ei Public Telephone-er
Joruri Khub Joruri Dorkar


Hello 2441139
2441139
Dhur Chhai
2441139
Hello
2441139
Hello
2441139...

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