Faruq Mahfuz Anam James, the singer fans simply call James or 'Guru', celebrates his 62nd birthday today, 2 October. Born in Naogaon in 1964, he has spent more than four decades shaping the sound of Bangla rock.
His career took off with Feelings, which he joined in 1977 and which became one of the pioneering psychedelic rock bands in the country. In 1996 the band was renamed Nagar Baul, the name it still carries. Solo albums such as 'Ononna', 'Palabe Kothay', 'Dukhini Dukkho Korona' and 'Thik Achhe Bondhu' built him a devoted following.
James also reached audiences across the border. He sang playback for several Hindi films, and his track 'Bheegi Bheegi' from 'Gangster' (2006) became a major hit. At home he twice won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
Speaking around his birthday, James said he prefers to keep life simple and to let music lead him. He encouraged young musicians to embrace new tools and technology as they find their own sound.
Photo: Mahmudul Karim Farsad / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Sources: thedailystar.net
