Assam’s Abhinob Shines in Bollywood

By Amlan Jyoti Saikia

Abhinob Borah is one of the most well-liked and versatile Assamese singers of the newer generation and has won recognition for his grasp over folk music. But this charming and multi-faceted performer is a true pathbreaker because of his courage to experiment with various forms of music and his willingness to speak fearlessly about the hypocrisy attached to the patronage of classical arts.

He is among those singers who understand the need to constantly adapt and use modern technology to nurture traditional arts and knowledge.

Currently, he is working with Zee Music Co. as Music Composer. Recently, he has forayed into Bollywood music industry, with 'Ek Nazar' and 'Aane Wala Pal'. His 'Ek Nazar' song is so famous on YouTube, it has crossed 3.2 million viewers.

Abhinob associated with Pratidin Time's popular musical show 'Geet Unplugged' as Music Composer.

Abhinob Borah talks to Pratidin Time about his music and his aspirations:

• What were your early musical influences?
• I spent the first phase of my life in Nazira (Sivasagar). I come from a well-cultured family; since then, there was a strong passion for the Arts, particularly Hindustani classical music. There was a healthy respect for all forms of Art. It was just considered enriching to be involved in the Arts.
• When did music start becoming a career for you?
• When I was in school, my father said, "If you really want to do music, you need to concentrate your energies. It has to be a passion". My parents were also very fond of Hindustani classical music. I had no idea whether I would really become a professional performer or not. I had no idea how much I would learn; but I knew that music gave me the greatest pleasure and the more I got involved in learning it, the more it became an obsession.
• What do you find most inspires you to write a song?
• I think my life and intrapsychic rollercoasters actually inspire me the most. I work things out by pulling out the emotions and issues that intrigue me most, laying them flat and sewing them to musical notes. I come out with the very personal yet fascinating tapestries you hear on my albums.
• I really love your musical roots – which musicians and songwriters have been the greatest influence?
• Oh, it seems like there have been so many! I do admire Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Bishnu Rabha, Bhupen Hazarika, Jayanta Hazarika, Zubeen Garg, etc. Through my family, I was also exposed to the country legendary singers as well as Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Kumar Sanu, etc – these are my greatest influences.
• What do you think about the internet as a tool for promoting yourself & your music?
• I think the internet is insanely useful for promoting things like me and my music. My album has been distributed through many internet platforms.
• What are your plans & hopes for the future with regard to your music?
• I'm just along for the ride! I would love to continue moving forward with my music…continuing to make albums and relating to a diverse set of people from all over the world. That's one thing I like most about creating and sharing music: finding out we are all much more alike than we thought, despite our differences. I hope that my music can find people in bright and dark corners and bring them out. I'd love to touch the people who are on their own rollercoasters in life and feel like maybe I've been even the tiniest voice of help in the distance.
• Which is the song that you like to sing in every music concert?
• There are certain songs I want like to sing but am not sure if the audiences want to hear them. Especially, 'Jai Aai Asom' is one song I always like to sing.
• Do you feel this song would influence patriotism?
• Maybe it can. 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' really inspired the youth. When you hear 'O mur apunar desh' you really feel energized.
• Any message to your fans and upcoming artists?
• Stay focussed, practice daily and never give up.

• What are the problems you faced while working as a singer?
• None, as I was confident that I was worth. I am struggling…
• Which is your first song?
• Jai Aai Asom (2011) after that Maa (2013)
• What qualities should a good singer posse?
• He/ She should be able to sing in all languages and genres.
• You are working in Assam Police Radio Organisation (APRO) as Wireless Operator, what hardships do you face for choosing two lines?
• There are no hardships if you see them as a challenge and love them. My wife also extends support to move on…
• Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us here at Pratidin Time!
• I also want to thank Pratidin Time for giving me this opportunity. Thank you!

A look to Abhinob's creation