Dr. Anup Ghoshal (1944/1945 – December 15, 2023), an Indian playback singer, composer, and music artist, was one of the most revered names in Bengali music and Indian cinema. Known for his brilliant vocal renditions in various genres, particularly in Nazrul Geeti, Rabindra Sangeet, and modern Bengali music, Ghoshal left a remarkable legacy with his work, which extended beyond the realm of classical music. With his profound contribution to Bengali cinema and his enduring work with celebrated filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ghoshal became a household name in India and around the world.
Early Life: Born into a Musical Legacy
Anup Ghoshal was born in 1944 or 1945 in Kolkata, West Bengal, to Amulya Chandra Ghoshal and Labanya Ghoshal, both of whom were deeply connected to the world of music. His mother, a music enthusiast, recognized his innate talent for music early on. At the age of just four, she arranged for his formal training in music, setting the stage for his illustrious career in the world of Indian classical and playback music.
A Childhood Dedicated to Music
Anup’s early life revolved around music. By the time he was four years old, he had already made his debut on All India Radio in Kolkata, singing for a children’s program called Shishu Mahal. This early exposure to public performance marked the beginning of a journey that would shape his future.
From the age of four until he turned 26, Anup Ghoshal received a rigorous musical education. His training was comprehensive, covering a wide range of musical genres, including Thumri, Kheyal, Bhajan, Ragpradhan, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Dwijendrageeti, Rajnikanter Gaan, and several modern Bengali and folk songs. He learned from several distinguished gurus, such as Sangeetacharya Tarapada Chakraborty, Sangeetacharya Sukhendu Goswami, Debabrata Biswas (for Rabindra Sangeet), and Manindra Chakraborty (for Bengali songs).
Anup’s educational background was also solid. He completed his Bachelor’s degree from Asutosh College in Kolkata and later earned his Ph.D. from Rabindra Bharati University. His doctoral thesis, titled “Nazrul Geeti — Roop O Rashanabhuti,” explored the intricacies of the work of the legendary Bengali poet and musician Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Musical Excellence: Gaining Recognition
Anup Ghoshal’s dedication to music was evident from an early age. He secured first place in the Sangeet Bharati Degree Examination in 1966-67 and was awarded a gold medal for his exceptional skills in classical music. During his student years, Anup won numerous awards in various music competitions, excelling in classical, light classical, Rabindra Sangeet, and folk music. His exceptional voice and ability to master different musical styles quickly gained him recognition.
In 1966-67, he was selected as a National Scholar for his contributions to classical music, a prestigious honor that set the stage for his successful musical career.
First Steps in Playback Singing
Anup’s big break as a playback singer came when he was just 19 years old. He sang for the iconic Bengali film “Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne”, a movie directed by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. This film would go on to become a classic, and Anup’s rendition of the songs in it became integral to its success. His work with Ray didn’t end there; he also collaborated with the filmmaker for other projects, contributing to the timeless music of “Hirak Rajar Deshe”, a film that won him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1981.
Expanding Horizons: Singing in Multiple Languages
Anup Ghoshal’s talent was not confined to Bengali cinema alone. Over the years, he lent his voice to numerous films in various languages, including Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Assamese. His vocal range and versatility allowed him to sing across genres, from classical to contemporary, and from devotional music to light classical songs.
His songs in the Hindi film industry earned him much praise, especially his notable contribution to the soundtrack of “Masoom”, where he sang the unforgettable track “Tujse Naraaz Nahi Zindagi”. He also gained recognition for his voice in films like “Sagina Mahato”, “Goopy Bagha Phire Elo”, and “Phuleswari”.
Ghoshal as a Music Director
Apart from being a playback singer, Anup Ghoshal was also an accomplished music director. His foray into music direction began with the Bengali film “Sagina Mahato”, where he took charge of the music and composed several memorable tracks. His approach to music direction was always meticulous, balancing melody and emotion to create songs that resonated with the audience.
International Recognition and Concert Tours
Anup Ghoshal’s reputation as an accomplished artist was not confined to India. He traveled extensively to countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Germany, performing in various musical concerts and promoting Indian classical and folk music. He was particularly instrumental in introducing Bengali and Indian music culture to the western world. His performances were met with critical acclaim, and he earned the admiration of music lovers worldwide.
In 1994, he was honored with honorary citizenship of Chicago by the city’s then-mayor Richard M. Daley for his significant contributions to the global music scene.
Literary Contributions: Writing About Music
Anup Ghoshal was not just a musician but also a writer. He authored a book titled “Ganer Bhubane”, which explored the world of Indian music. Through this book, he shared his philosophy on music, emphasizing its universal nature and power to connect people across boundaries. He also drew connections between different musical traditions, noting that despite regional differences, the essence of music remains the same worldwide. Ghoshal believed that Indian classical music had a bright future, and he advocated for its continued preservation and promotion.
Political Career: A Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly
In 2011, Anup Ghoshal entered the world of politics when he became a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. He contested from the Uttarpara constituency under the banner of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and won with a significant majority. His political involvement was an extension of his commitment to serving his community and his belief in the power of cultural diplomacy to bridge divides.
Anup Ghoshal’s Legacy: A Life Well Lived
Dr. Anup Ghoshal passed away on December 15, 2023, at the age of 78, in Kolkata. His death marked the end of an era in Bengali and Indian music. However, his music, his contributions to the arts, and his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of India will continue to inspire future generations.
His legacy as one of the most versatile and celebrated artists in Indian music history is secure. From the soulful Nazrul Geeti to his expansive work in classical, film, and folk music, Anup Ghoshal’s voice will remain an indelible part of India’s rich musical tradition.
Accolades and Honors
Over the years, Anup Ghoshal received numerous awards and honors for his contribution to Indian music. Some of the notable accolades include:
- Gold Medal in Sangeet Bharati Degree Examination (1966-67).
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his work in the film “Hirak Rajar Deshe” (1981).
- Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards for Best Male Playback Singer in 1971, 1981, and 1992 for his contributions to Bengali and Hindi cinema.
Selected Filmography
As a playback singer, Anup Ghoshal contributed to a number of iconic films:
- Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne
- Hirak Rajar Deshe
- Goopy Bagha Phire Elo
- Sagina Mahato
- Masoom (Hindi)
- Phuleswari
- Subarnagolok
His contribution as a music director includes:
- Sagina Mahato (1970)
A Musical Icon
Dr. Anup Ghoshal’s life was a testament to the power of music as a transformative force. From his early training in Kolkata to his iconic work in Indian cinema, Ghoshal redefined the boundaries of playback singing and music composition. His voice, rich in emotion and technical prowess, continues to resonate in the hearts of music lovers around the world. His contributions to Indian and Bengali music will forever remain cherished in the annals of musical history.
