Anjan Dutt Songs Honoured in Dhaka Tribute Concert

A special tribute concert celebrating the timeless songs of Indian singer, songwriter and actor Anjan Dutt is set to take place in Dhaka, bringing together three Bangladeshi musicians who have been deeply influenced by his work. Titled ‘Ekdin Brishtite Bikele…’, the concert will feature performances by singer-songwriters Joy Shahriar, Ahmed Hasan Sunny and Shubhra at Butternut Café in Banani, Dhaka, on 31 July.

For generations of Bangladeshi music lovers, Anjan Dutt represents much more than a celebrated artiste. His songs have become closely connected with emotions, memories and personal experiences. Through his distinctive songwriting style, he has captured the realities of urban life, the complexities of love, loneliness, relationships and the passage of time. His ability to transform everyday stories into deeply relatable songs has earned him a special place among Bengali music audiences on both sides of the border.

Over his long and influential career, Anjan Dutt has performed in Bangladesh several times, receiving enthusiastic responses from audiences each time. His songs, known for their conversational lyrics and storytelling approach, have continued to inspire younger generations of musicians and lyricists. Although Anjan Dutt himself will not be present at the upcoming event, his musical creations will form the centrepiece of an evening dedicated to celebrating his contribution to Bengali music.

According to the organisers, Joy Shahriar, Ahmed Hasan Sunny and Shubhra will perform some of Anjan Dutt’s most popular songs during the concert. Alongside these tribute performances, the three artistes will also present selections from their own original works. This approach is expected to make the event more than a simple tribute programme, creating a space where Anjan Dutt’s influence meets the individual artistic expressions of contemporary Bangladeshi musicians.

Joy Shahriar said that Anjan Dutt’s influence on his generation of singers and songwriters has been profound. He highlighted how artistes such as Anjan Dutt, Kabir Suman and Nachiketa Chakraborty helped redefine the tradition of lyric-driven Bengali music by bringing personal narratives, social observations and everyday experiences into their songs.

According to Joy, Anjan Dutt’s greatest strength lies in his storytelling ability. His songs often portray ordinary people, familiar situations and emotional moments with honesty and simplicity. This unique quality has encouraged many emerging lyricists to explore their own voices and experiences through music.

Ahmed Hasan Sunny also expressed his excitement about being part of the tribute concert. He said many Bangladeshi singers and lyricists grew up listening to Anjan Dutt’s songs, which remain connected with memories of city life, personal emotions and different phases of growing up. For him, participating in a programme dedicated to such an influential artiste is a matter of great honour.

Sunny added that when Joy Shahriar shared the idea of organising the concert, he immediately decided to become involved. He hopes the audience will experience a memorable evening where familiar songs return in a fresh setting while preserving the emotions that made them timeless.

Organised by the cultural group Odbhut Karkhana, the concert will begin at 7pm on 31 July. Two ticket options have been arranged for audiences. Advance tickets are priced at Tk 700, while tickets purchased at the venue will cost Tk 1,000.

The event is being viewed as an initiative to honour the contribution of a generation of singer-songwriters who transformed Bengali music through meaningful lyrics and personal storytelling. With Joy Shahriar, Ahmed Hasan Sunny and Shubhra bringing their own interpretations of Anjan Dutt’s songs, organisers hope the evening will offer audiences a unique musical experience filled with nostalgia, admiration and renewed appreciation for his artistic legacy.