Chandrabindoo is a well-established Bengali band, renowned for its sharp, satirical lyrics, and its unique ability to comment on contemporary cultural phenomena and societal issues. Based in Kolkata, the band has made its mark in both the local and global music scenes, especially within the expatriate Bengali communities in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and even abroad. With its humor, wit, and deep cultural references, the band holds a special place in the hearts of its listeners. Let’s dive deeper into the history, origins, and journey of this influential band.
The Origin of the Name: A Nod to Literary Nonsense
The name ‘Chandrabindoo’ is derived from a unique character in the Bengali alphabet, ◌̐, called the “chandrabindu.” It is a diacritic mark used to modify the pronunciation of vowels in Bengali. The band’s choice of name is a playful tribute to this last letter of the Bengali alphabet. However, the name goes further back into Bengali literature.
The inspiration for the band’s name comes from a famous piece of literary nonsense written by Sukumar Ray, a beloved Bengali poet and writer. In his work HaJaBaRaLa, there is a delightful and humorous conversation where the cat talks about words that can be playfully interpreted in different ways. The specific line reads:
“বেড়াল বলল, ‘বেড়ালও বলতে পার, রুমালও বলতে পার, চন্দ্রবিন্দুও বলতে পার।’ আমি বললাম, ‘চন্দ্রবিন্দু কেন?’”
The cat says, “You can call me a cat, or a handkerchief, or even a chandrabindoo. Why chandrabindoo?”
The cat’s playful answer is: “Can’t you tell? ‘cha’ for chandrabindoo, ‘sha’ for birāl (cat), and ‘mā’ for rumāl (handkerchief)—that spells ‘chashma’ (spectacles). Simple, isn’t it?”
This piece of literary nonsense, full of humor and wordplay, reflects the whimsical nature of the band’s identity. Just like Sukumar Ray’s playful and satirical writing, the band’s music is known for its witty, satirical lyrics, often commenting on contemporary events and culture.
The Formation and Early Struggles of the Band
Founded in 1989, Chandrabindoo initially faced several challenges in establishing themselves in the music industry. Their debut album, Aar Jani Na (1997), had to be produced using an outdated sound mixer, and despite the effort, it was met with a lukewarm reception. However, the band gained attention when Gautam Chattopadhyay of the iconic Bengali band Mohiner Ghoraguli recommended them to Asha Audio, leading to the release of their second album Gadha in 1998. This album garnered more attention, and the band began to find their audience.
Their first public live performance was held in Kolkata at the Gyan Manch, near Rabindra Sadan, marking the beginning of their journey as a live act. Over time, they became known for their energetic live performances, where they would blend catchy tunes with thought-provoking lyrics.
The Band Members
Chandrabindoo’s core members have always been integral to the band’s success. The group has seen several changes over the years, but the chemistry between the founding members has remained unchanged. The band’s primary songwriters and vocalists are:
- Upal Sengupta – Lead vocals and music composer
- Anindya Chatterjee – Lead vocals and music composer
- Chandril Bhattacharya – Lyricist, music composer, and vocalist
- Arup Podder – Bassist
- Surojit Mukherjee – Guitarist and arranger
- Rajshekhar Kundu – Drummer
- Sibabrata Biswas aka Sibu – Keyboardist
- Sourabh – Percussionist
- Tirthankar – Sound engineer
Though many former members have come and gone, the band’s musical integrity and satirical edge have remained intact, regardless of the lineup changes.
Discography: A Legacy of Unique Music
Chandrabindoo has an extensive discography that spans several decades. Their albums are a reflection of their evolution, from their early struggles to their present-day recognition. Here’s an overview of some of their most significant studio and compilation albums:
Studio Albums:
- Aar Jani Na (1997)
- Gadha (1998)
- Twaker Jatna Nin (1999)
- Chaw (2001)
- Daknam (2002)
- Juju (2003)
- Hulabila (2005)
- U/A (2008)
- Noy (2012)
- Talobasha (2024)
Compilation Albums:
- Chandrabindaas (2005)
- Ebhabeo Phire Asha Jae (2005)
- Sera Chandrabindoo (2008)
The band has also contributed music for several Bengali films, and they have been widely recognized for their work in the film industry. Notably, they won the 56th National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 2010 for their contribution to the film Antaheen.
The Evolution of Their Sound
Chandrabindoo’s music blends a variety of styles, from rock and pop to folk and jazz, all wrapped in the rich tapestry of Bengali musical traditions. Over the years, they have moved from simple acoustic arrangements to more complex compositions, incorporating a wide range of instruments, including electric guitars, bass, and electronic keyboards, alongside traditional Bengali instruments.
One of the reasons behind their success is their ability to stay relevant while maintaining their roots in Bengali culture. The band’s music resonates with listeners because it speaks directly to the social, cultural, and political issues that matter to the audience. Their lyrics are witty, often ironic, and at times, even sarcastic. They address everyday life, the quirks of society, and the absurdities of contemporary issues.
Chandrabindoo’s Influence on Bengali Music and Culture
Chandrabindoo’s contribution to Bengali music cannot be overstated. In a music scene dominated by classical and folk influences, they have carved a unique space for themselves by introducing satire and social commentary into their lyrics. Their ability to take a humorous and often cynical view of the world has made them both popular and controversial.
What sets them apart is their ability to make even serious topics accessible to a broader audience. Their songs are not just catchy tunes—they are an avenue for reflecting on societal issues, often making their listeners think critically about the world around them.
International Recognition
In July 2015, Chandrabindoo went on their first international tour, performing in London to support the Kolkata-based Child In Need Institute (CINI). This international exposure helped them reach a wider audience, especially among the Bengali diaspora living abroad. Their commitment to charity and social causes has further cemented their reputation as artists who use their platform for positive change.
Chandrabindoo’s Cultural Impact
Chandrabindoo’s influence goes beyond just music. The band has become a cultural phenomenon in Kolkata and beyond. Their music often serves as a mirror to society, reflecting its flaws, absurdities, and idiosyncrasies in a way that makes people laugh, but also think. Their songs continue to be a source of nostalgia and pride for Bengali-speaking audiences across the world.
A Legacy of Wit and Wisdom
Chandrabindoo remains one of the most distinctive and beloved bands in Bengali music history. Their ability to mix humor with sharp social commentary has earned them a special place in the hearts of fans. Whether it’s their playful lyrics, their catchy tunes, or their commitment to speaking truth to power, they continue to stand as a testament to the power of music in reflecting and shaping culture.
With their upcoming album Talobasha (2024) already generating excitement, Chandrabindoo’s legacy continues to grow, and their music remains an essential part of the Bengali cultural landscape.
