Taalpatar Shepai loves to perform in Dhaka

Recently, the West Bengal-based music band Taalpatar Shepai has visited Dhaka twice, winning the hearts of millions of music connoisseurs in the capital. Sushmita Roy talked about the band's journey and other lesser-known stories with the band's famous duo Pritam Das and Suman Ghosh. Rassiq Aziz Kabir translated the original article.

The Dhaka visit of Taalpatar Shepai

Talpatar Sepai performed in Dhaka for the first time on June 15 at a concert in Gulshan-Tejgaon. Then on July 6, they performed at the same stage in Basundhara where Anupam Roy and Arnab had performed previously. They sang their nostalgic songs and created a wave of nostalgia among the audience. Pritam shared, "It was great. I couldn't listen to Anupamda's songs that much, but I listened to Arnabda's songs. I am a big fan of him."

They both felt fortunate to be surrounded by much love in Bangladesh. When 5,000 people sang their songs loudly together, said an overwhelmed Pritam, he felt that quitting his job as an engineer to become a musician was the right choice.

The Shepais came to Dhaka twice to sing. They had never been here before. Although they did not have much time to explore the city, it certainly left some fascinating impressions. They simply took whatever free time they had to wander around. They visited the Bangabandhu Military Museum and enjoyed the rich culinary heritage of Dhaka. Having the taste of Dhakai Kacchi, they were full of praise for the Bangladeshi people's hospitality.

The beginning of a musical journey

The band's story began in 2011 when Pritam Das and Suman Ghosh were singing in another band that did not last long. However, they could not sit around for long and do nothing. So they started jamming at home for a few days. They covered an old song, marking the formation of their duo. And then arrived a new ukulele, Suman played it, and Pritam sang "Ami Cheye Cheye Dekhi Saradin," which they uploaded on YouTube. Then a few years later, Kriti Roy joined the band as a lyricist.

They have been releasing original songs since 2018. Sometimes Pritam comes up with the ideas, sometimes Suman, and sometimes the whole band works together. Among many of their popular songs, their personal favourites are 'Moddhorate' and "Pathe Jete Jete."

Why the name 'Taalpatar Shepai'?

Pritam used to buy dolls made of 'Taalpata' when he was a kid. 'Taalpatar Shepai' is also a Bengali proverb indicating fragile characteristics like those dolls. The Shepai duo thinks of themselves as those dolls, not much significant in the world of music. If people remember their band's name, the near-extinct heritage of Bengal will also continue to live.

Some sweet and sour stories

Everyone loves the duo for being goofballs. But Suman's expressionless face is what draws people in the most. People want to see Suman in this role. In response to the inquiry, Suman clarified that it was not his own will but rather a reflection of his personality.

Over the years, Taalpatar Shepai has performed more than 30 songs on their channel. Nearly every song has had minor obstacles to overcome, but they have a special memory related to 'Sonar Kathi.' They brought in a professional actor for the first time; the shooting site was at the far end of Himachal Pradesh's hilly region; low-cost, unfamiliar environment and food - numerous unfamiliar things were present in that shooting.

The song 'Comments Bichitra,' created using feedback from fans, was a song where they didn't have to work much. Suman remembered two more tunes while talking. In 'Path Geche Beke,' the two acted completely naturally. On the other hand, both Shepais have a strong desire to travel, which generates new ideas as well. 'Moshader Chumu' is one such song they had a lot of fun making.

What do they do in their free time?

Pritam enjoys watching web series and anime in his free time. He watched some Bangladeshi movies, too, and praised them for their improving quality. Collecting items while travelling is also a part of his hobby. Suman, on the other hand, enjoys playing cricket. He loves exploring deeper into the technical aspects of the content he and Pritam make.

They both enjoy listening to music, and Bangladeshi big bands are among their favourites. Pritam shared, "I am Arnobda's biggest fan," when questioned. Suman's playlist also includes names such as Miles, Orthohin, Souls, Meghdol, Chirkut, and Arbovirus.

Thoughts on Bengali music

Suman and Pritam both agree that there should be more musical contact between these two nations. And people should listen to more Bengali music regardless of the country of origin. This will enrich the Bengali music scene, the singers will get more appreciation, and the industry will flourish.

"We are grateful for the love and support we have received from the audience and listeners of Bangladesh. We sing our songs, but when others sing them, it creates a feeling of joy of a different level," Pritam shared, smiling.

"We don't really differentiate between Bangladeshis and Indians. Our songs are for all those who speak Bengali. And to be honest, music has no boundaries. Everyone can listen to songs in all languages. This will help music to survive," he further remarked.

Suman Ghosh thanked Bangladeshis for enjoying their music and wished to revisit Bangladesh. He wants to relieve his unique feeling of coming to Bangladesh time and again. The duo has already made some friends in Bangladesh, which will make it easy to visit the country in future.

The Taalpatar Shepai duo became thoroughly impressed to have so many fans and supporters in Dhaka. They hinted that they might create a new song for Dhaka based on their experiences in the city, which would indeed be great news for their Bangladeshi fans.

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