Abhijit Banerjee was born on July 24, 1931, into a Brahmo family in North Kolkata, but he spent his childhood in Dhakuria, South Kolkata. His family had deep musical roots—his father, Niramaay Banerjee, was a music enthusiast, his uncle Nirupam Banerjee was a classical singer, and his mother, Labanya Banerjee, played the harmonium. His elder brother, Arindam Banerjee, was also a lyricist and composer. Growing up in this culturally rich environment, Abhijit developed a profound love for music and took his first lessons from his brother. His early compositions were influenced by Rabindra Sangeet, which was a natural outcome of his Brahmo heritage.
Entry into the Music Industry
Abhijit Banerjee’s formal entry into the world of music began with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), a leftist cultural movement where he became closely associated with legendary composer Salil Chowdhury. Alongside Anol Chattopadhyay and Prabir Mazumdar, Abhijit Banerjee was regarded as one of Salil Chowdhury’s closest disciples and musical collaborators. His early compositions reflected the socio-political consciousness of the time, blending classical and folk influences with modern sensibilities.
His first major success came in 1949 with the song “Kothay Sonar Dhan,” written by Anol Chattopadhyay and composed by Abhijit Banerjee. This song, recorded during his time with IPTA, created a stir and established him as a promising new composer.
Musical Career and Notable Works
Abhijit Banerjee’s music was characterized by rich melodies, innovative orchestration, and a deep emotional resonance. Over the decades, he composed numerous modern Bengali songs and film soundtracks, many of which became timeless classics.
Some of his most iconic songs include:
- “Duti Oi Kankoner Chhondo” (Satinath Mukhopadhyay)
- “Tomar O Mon Mohua Jodi Hoy” (Hemanta Mukhopadhyay)
- “Jodi Amake Dekho Tumi Udashi” (Manabendra Mukhopadhyay)
- “Emon Ekta Jhor Uthuk” (Hemanta Mukhopadhyay)
- “Tumi Meghla Diner Nil Akasher Swapno” (Satinath Mukhopadhyay)
His contributions extended beyond modern Bengali songs into film music, where he composed for several Bengali movies. Some of his well-known film compositions include:
- “O Pakhi Ure Aay” (from Jiban Rahasya, 1974)
- “Jodi Kane Kane Kichu Bole Bondhua” (Jiban Rahasya, 1974)
- “Koto Swapno Swapnoi Theke Jay” (Saheb, 1981)
- “Vebechilam Phuler Moton” (Rajbadhu, 1982)
Despite his significant contributions to Bengali modern music, he worked on fewer film projects compared to his work in independent compositions.
Literary Contributions
Apart from being a music composer, Abhijit Banerjee was also an accomplished lyricist and writer. He penned several books on music and poetry, including:
- “Kichhu Bhabna Kichhu Kotha” – A collection of thoughts and reflections on Bengali music
- “Jhorer Rater Pakhi” – His only poetry book
- “Bangla Gaaner Poth Chola” – A seminal work on the evolution of Bengali music
- “Okinchoner Karcha” – A deeply personal account of his musical journey
In his writings, he explored the struggles of the common man, the changing landscape of Bengali music, and the enduring influence of Rabindranath Tagore.
Later Years and Legacy
Abhijit Banerjee continued composing and writing well into the late 20th century. His last film as a music director was Rinmukti in 2000. His compositions remain an integral part of Bengali cultural heritage, influencing generations of musicians and listeners.
In his later years, he suffered from age-related illnesses and was hospitalized for some time. He eventually passed away on February 21, 2022—on International Mother Language Day—leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable melodies. His family, including his sons Amit and Abhishek and daughter Mahashweta, continued their association with music. His nephew, Agnibh Banerjee, is also a noted musician.
Abhijit Banerjee was a master of melody, a poet at heart, and a visionary composer who enriched the golden era of Bengali music. His ability to blend traditional and contemporary influences ensured that his music remained timeless. Today, his songs continue to evoke nostalgia and admiration, securing his place as one of the greatest music composers of Bengal.
