The sound of Durga Puja in Bengal has always been about more than the rhythmic beats of the dhaak. For generations of Bengalis, film songs and modern Bengali numbers have been an integral part of the festivities. In the 1980s and 1990s, compositions by Bappi Lahiri and R.D. Burman, brought alive by the voices of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, set the mood for everything from a romantic evening to an impromptu dance session.
Here are some of the tracks that became part of the Durga Puja nostalgia.
Kotha Hoyechhilo (Troyee, 1982)
If one song captures the youthful energy of a Puja evening, it is Kotha Hoyechhilo. Composed by R.D. Burman, the lively number features Debashree Roy and Mithun Chakraborty and is sung by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar. Its infectious rhythm and romantic appeal made it a favourite among Puja revellers, with the song lending itself equally well to a crowded pandal and a spontaneous dance. Even today, it can get people across generations moving to its beat.
Emon Modhur Shondhay (Ekanto Apon, 1987)
As its title suggests, Emon Modhur Shondhay seems made for a festive evening. Composed by R.D. Burman for Ekanto Apon, the song combines gentle orchestration with Asha Bhosle’s vocals. It became the kind of number that could set the mood as the evening crowds gathered at neighbourhood pandals. Decades later, its romantic appeal continues to resonate with listeners familiar with the Bengali film music of the period.
Aar Koto Raat Eka Thakbo (Chokher Aloy, 1989)
As the crowds thinned and the night grew quieter, Aar Koto Raat Eka Thakbo brought a different mood to Puja pandals. Composed by Bappi Lahiri and picturised on Debashree Roy in Chokher Aloy, the romantic melody carried a hint of solitude. Its restrained musical arrangement allowed Asha Bhosle’s voice to take centre stage.
Chokhe Chokhe Kotha Bolo
Not every song that became a Puja favourite came from a film. Chokhe Chokhe Kotha Bolo, an R.D. Burman composition from the Bengali adhunik tradition, found a place in the festive repertoire through its gentle melody and romantic appeal. The song has also continued to find new audiences. During her Kolkata concert earlier this year, singer Sunidhi Chauhan enthralled the audience with her rendition, delivering the Bengali number with near-flawless diction.
Sandhya Belay
Another romantic R.D. Burman composition, Sandhya Belay captures the transition from dusk to night through its soft rhythmic flow and Asha Bhosle's vocals. The song carries an intimacy that stands apart from the more energetic numbers played at Puja pandals. It is the sort of melody that could make a crowded festive evening feel romantic.
Chirodini Tumi Je Aamar (Amar Sangee, 1987)
Few Bengali film songs have become as closely associated with young love as Chirodini Tumi Je Aamar. Sung by Kishore Kumar and composed by Bappi Lahiri, the song featured Prosenjit Chatterjee and Ayesha Jhulka in Amar Sangee. During Durga Puja, the song becomes a familiar presence on neighbourhood loudspeakers, bringing back memories of youthful romance for listeners who grew up with Bengali cinema of the 1980s.
Mone Pore Rubi Roy
A little older than the songs that defined the 1980s and 1990s, Mone Pore Ruby Roy had already established itself as an evergreen favourite. Composed and sung by R.D. Burman, with lyrics by Sachin Bhowmick, the song was released in 1969 and became a hit. Its nostalgic quality and instantly recognisable melody made it a natural fit for festive playlists.
Aaj Ei Dintake (Antaraley, 1985)
Composed by Bappi Lahiri and sung by Kishore Kumar, Aaj Ei Dintake remains another familiar choice for setting the mood on a festive morning. Like many songs that became associated with Bengal's biggest annual celebration, it has acquired a life beyond its original context.