Nafis returns with a tribute to Ritwik Ghatak

Nafis Kamal

Popular artist Nafis Kamal after many years later gave his voice in a poem written by late lyric poet Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury in memory of Ritwik Ghatak, one of the best filmmakers of Bengal.

After years away from the spotlight, Nafis Kamal has recorded a soulful rendition of an unpublished song of late lyricist  Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury, crafted in honor of Ritwik Ghatak.

On the occasion of Ritwik Ghatak's death anniversary, Nafis Kamal made the announcement during an event organized by Prothom Alo’s online platform. During the event, he shared the story behind the song and its emotional significance. The video of the song, titled Shorone Ritwik, will be released on February 22—marking the death anniversary of poet Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury—on Nafis’s official YouTube channel.

Titled Shorone Ritwik, the song conveys profound emotions, expressing both deep sorrow and the lingering pain of loss of lyricist Chaudhury and Ritwik.

The project is a collaborative effort, produced in association with Universal Medical College and Hospital by the Media & Communication agency Cool Exposure, with Studio Abol Tabol handling the video production.

The video is being produced by Studio Abol Tabol, with Sagar Sen and Shehaj Sindhu jointly scripting and directing the visuals.

Ershadul Huq Tinku, Chief Executive Officer of Cool Exposure, revealed that before his passing, Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury had personally entrusted Nafis Kamal with this remarkable piece for musical adaptation. Cool Exposure’s subsidiary, Abol Tabol, is bringing the song to life through animation.

Nafis Kamal, who rose to fame in the late 1990s with the song ‘Elomelo’ (featured on Ityadi), composed by Naqeeb Khan with lyrics by Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury, is making a long-awaited return with Shorone Ritwik. Reflecting on the tribute, he noted that although Ritwik Ghatak passed away in 1976, the poet’s deep emotional connection with Bangladesh is powerfully embedded in the song.

Composer Syed Kallol noted that, at its core, the work remains of art, literature, music, and film to reveal the struggles, hardships, and search for self-identity among the people of Bengal.

Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury’s only child Prateek expressed his gratitude to Prothom Alo, Cool Exposure, Studio Abol Tabol, Universal Medical and his childhood friend Nafis after hearing about the release of his father's unreleased song. He contributed to the project by providing the original script, rare photographs, and valuable historical insights related to the song.

This special project marks a significant comeback for Nafis Kamal, reintroducing his voice to audiences through a tribute that blends poetry, music, and history in a moving homage to two artistic legends. – Press release