The Living Legend

The Voice That Defined Generations

Kumar Bishwajit (born Kumar Bishwajit Tultul, 1 June 1962, Sitakunda, Chittagong) is a Bangladeshi singer, songwriter, composer and music director — one of the most popular and respected figures in the country's musical landscape. For over 45 years, his warm, expressive voice has been the soundtrack of love, longing and everyday life for millions of listeners, earning him the affectionate title of "the country's evergreen singer."

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born to Sadhan Ranjan Dey and Sova Rani Dey in Sitakunda, Chittagong, Bishwajit grew up surrounded by the cultural richness of the port city. His musical career began in 1977 with a performance on radio. He spent two formative years with the band Rhythm-77 before founding his own band, Feelings, in 1979. In 1980 he appeared on Bangladesh Television (BTV) for the first time, and by 1981 his professional solo career was in full swing. His breakthrough came in 1985 with "Tore Putuler Moto Kore Sajiye" — a song that captivated the nation and remains a beloved classic to this day.

A Prolific Recording Career

Over the course of his career, Bishwajit has released over 30 solo albums, a catalogue that reads like a history of modern Bengali pop and folk-pop music: from the 80s–90s classics (Biroher Akash 1988, Bishader Sworolipi 1990, Jekhane Shimanto Tomar 1991, Othoi Neel 1992, Du Fota Chokher Jol 1993, Hridoyer Moyna Todonto 1994, Onuvobe Ovimane 1995, Dirghoshwas 1996, Gontobbo 1997, Shikor 1998, Prohori 1999, Shikari 1999) to later gems (Oboshese 2000, Ek Kothar Chithi 2001, Ek Mutho Jochhona 2001, Drishti Vora Brishti 2006, Maa Jononi 2008, Rodela Dupur 2009, Priyo Onuvob 2014, Sarangshe Tumi 2016), plus the four-album "Celebrating 30 Years of Musical Journey" set (Megher Palki, Ekla Akash, Swopner Angona, Premer Abas) and memorable duets with Asha Bhosle (Rongdhonu Ronge), Mitali Mukherji (Swopno Urai), Fahmida Nabi (HaTi), Shoeb (Tumi Roz Bikele Aamar Bagane) and Tapan Chowdhury (Sondhya Tara). His best-loved songs — "Tore Putuler Moto Kore Sajiye," "Tumi Roz Bikele," "Bhitah Nai Re," "Ami Shampane Bandhibo Ghore," "Manush Buro Hoy, Mon Buro Hoy Na," "Kannar Rol," "O Doctor," "Ektara Bajaio Na" — are part of the collective memory of Bengali-speaking audiences worldwide.

Cinema and Music Direction

As a playback singer and music director, he has contributed to numerous films, including Norom Gorom (1984), Wrong Number (2004), Swami Streer Wada (2009), Jaago (2010), Projapoti (2011), Sutopar Thikana (2015) and the musical film Sarangshe Tumi (2016), where he served as both singer and music director.

Awards and Recognition

Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, twice (Swami Streer Wada 2009; Projapoti 2011); Best Music Composer (Swami Streer Wada 2009); Meril-Prothom Alo Critics' Choice Award for Best Singer (Drishti Vora Brishti, 2006); Film Bangla Best Playback Singer (Jaago, 2010); BACHSAS Jury Board Special Award (Sarangshe Tumi, 2016); Channel i Music Award for Best Modern Song ("Kokhono To Bolini," 2017); Bangabandhu Smriti Puraskar, Zia Smriti Puraskar and many other honors across four decades.

The Man Behind the Voice

In 2022, his life was chronicled in the acclaimed autobiography Ebong Bishwajit, written by Joy Shahriar — an intimate look at the "unread pages" of his life.

In early 2023, following a tragic road accident involving his only son, Kumar Nibir Dey, in Toronto, he and his wife Naima Sultana relocated to Canada to be by their son's side — and through it all, he has kept singing, recording and connecting with his audience. Today, Kumar Bishwajit remains an active, beloved figure in Bengali music, his songs streamed by listeners around the world — proof that some voices never fade.